Building Opportunities Programme with Eka Prasetio
Introduction to Eka
At Flynn Interiors, we’re proud to support the next generation of talent, and Eka’s journey is a perfect example of how the Building Opportunities Programme by Laing O’Rourke can transform careers. After overcoming immigration challenges and pursuing a career change, Eka is now a Trainee Compliance Supervisor with us.
“The Building Opportunities Programme (BOP) is a pre-employment programme for unemployed people run by Laing O’Rourke. It was established in 2023 and the first BOP was held in Manchester in the Autumn of 2023. It is a three/four-week course giving participants the opportunity to meet construction industry professionals, visit sites and take part in workshops and role-play.”
Alick at Laing O’Rourke
Eka’s background
Eka moved to the UK three years ago with plans to build a new life. However, due to the immigration process, he was unable to work for two years. He decided to pursue part-time studies at university while waiting for his situation to be resolved.
In October 2023, his immigration status was finally sorted out, and he began actively searching for jobs. He attended job fairs and applied to agencies, but he struggled to make an impact, especially since most job applications were online and he felt people couldn’t truly see his potential.
Making a career Change
After spending years away from his career in teaching due to the immigration process, Eka realised that the UK was full of new opportunities, and he was eager to try something different.
Discovering Laing O’Rourke’s Building Opportunities Programme:
In May 2024, Eka attended a job fair where he was introduced to Laing O’Rourke for the first time. It was at this event that he learned about the Building Opportunities Programme and the potential for growth within the construction industry, an area he had never considered before. Initially, he thought construction opportunities were limited, but after learning more, he was amazed by how diverse the industry is.
“It was an interesting program for personal and professional development,” says Eka. “It helped me discover my potential, build my confidence.”
“The BOP is very much people centred and construction focused. The aim is to support pathways into employment for people who both want to work in construction and those who had not thought about a career in this field. The aim is to give participants personal and professional skills to help them find and keep a job.”
The Networking Event and Meeting Flynn Interiors:
During the final week of the programme, Eka met Flynn Interiors at a networking event. He spoke to a project manager. During the conversation, he told Eka that experience wasn’t a requirement – if he was willing to learn, Flynn Interiors would teach him. This opportunity resonated with him. “I thought, this is a great opportunity.” he recalls.
The Path to Flynn Interiors:
Three weeks after the networking session, Eka applied for the Trainee Compliance Supervisor role at Flynn’s Interiors. What particularly intrigued him about the job was the significance it held in people’s lives. He explained “at that time there was a big case about the Grenfell Tower in West London, I was thinking a job like this can make a big deal to people’s lives, it’s a really significant job.” he adds “because what I was aiming for before when applying for jobs I want to give back to society because society has given me so much”
“For LOR and our supply chain, the BOP helps to attract great talent that is often overlooked. It supports diversity and inclusion and has helped drive a culture of change throughout the organisations.”
A New Career at Flynn Interiors:
Now part of Flynn Interiors, Eka works closely with compliance managers, site supervisors, and project managers. His role involves learning about the construction process, from understanding the types of materials needed to ensuring everything fits perfectly on-site. “Every day is something different,” he shares.
As this is his first job in the UK, he is also learning to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. He’s discovered that working in the field is much more different than he anticipated. “I’ve always considered myself a linguist, someone who understands how people communicate and behave,” he explains. “But when I’m out in the field, I’ve learned how different everyone is.”
Eka’s journey is a great example of how the Building Opportunities Programme helps individuals discover their potential and transition into careers in construction. At Flynn Interiors, we are excited to see how Eka will continue to grow and contribute to our team. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that create meaningful opportunities for talented individuals.
“At Olympia, Flynn Interiors took on Eka Prasetio, an unemployed refugee from Indonesia. Eka has fitted into the Flynn team seamlessly and is relishing his role as a Trainee Compliance Supervisor.”