A young apprentice from Wiltshire has been given a helping hand as he pursues his dream of becoming a carpenter.

Local housing association, Aster Group, stepped in to help 17-year-old Kian Warwick, from Poulshot, to continue his carpentry career.

Kian was unable to finish his apprenticeship with his previous employer, and thought his career dream was over, before Aster stepped in.

The group gave him the chance to complete his Level 2 apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery with their Voids team, which prepares homes for new customers.

Kian said: "Aster helped me massively by offering me a position on the Wiltshire Voids' team.

"This allowed me to continue my college year without interruption.

"Without their help, I might have lost all the progress I had made in my work and my apprenticeship."

Since joining Aster, Kian has been honing his carpentry skills, replacing internal doors, bannisters, handrails, bath panels, and kitchen components, and he has also fitted skirting and architrave, boxing, and replaced floorboards.

David Stevens, team leader of the Voids team, said: "Since Kian has joined the team, he has shown himself to be a hard worker with a good aptitude for carpentry.

"He has integrated well and is respected by all and has also brought a youthful enthusiasm and attitude to the team."

Long-term Aster partners, Jewson Partnership Solutions, have also shown their support for Kian, donating a multi-tool to help him in his work.

Jess Scull, Aster’s apprenticeships partner, who has been supporting Kian in his journey, said: "We are so pleased we were able to support Kian with his apprenticeship.

"Many industries are facing a shortage of skilled workers and we recognise that by supporting and training apprentices in house, we can help bridge these gaps ensuring there is a pipeline of talent with the necessary expertise and experience, who hopefully go on to secure employment in social housing once they qualify.

"Jewson Partnership Solutions have been a regular supporter of Aster apprentices over the last couple of years and have once again come forward and showed their support, enabling Kian to have tools he can call his own."

Aster Group provides homes to thousands of people across the south of England and London.

During 2023/24 the business delivered 997 homes offering affordable and social rent, shared ownership, and open market sale options and is set to provide around 1,175 new homes during 2024/25.