Constructing a New Path

Dylan’s story is one of resilience and determination, and the power of meaningful support. Before entering custody, Dylan had some experience in steel bending but had become long-term unemployed. Following his conviction, he served time across Swansea, Parc, and Cardiff prisons where he used his time productively completed multiple qualifications including obtaining his CSCS card and courses aimed at supporting both his rehabilitation and future employment prospects.

Through the strong partnership between the prison service and Blue Water Recruitment, Dylan was referred directly to the agency social value lead. He was eager to re-enter the workforce and begin rebuilding his life and accepted a labouring position with Morgan Sindall on the very day he was released.

Overcoming Systemic Barriers

Leaving prison is rarely straightforward, and Dylan faced a particularly challenging start. His approved premises were not finalised in time, meaning he left custody homeless and was placed in temporary accommodation across Swansea and Cardiff. The constant moves meant long, unreliable journeys by public transport, and because his living situation changed frequently, he often had to carry his belongings to work each day. Without access to stable cooking facilities or laundry, even basic daily routines became difficult, forcing him to rely on launderettes. He was also managing a curfew during this period, adding further pressure.

Despite these barriers, Dylan remained committed to his new role. Morgan Sindall and Blue Water Recruitment stayed in close contact, offering responsive, ongoing support.

Although securing employment brought relief, Dylan shared that he initially panicked, and was unsure on how he would manage all the barriers.

He referred to the situation as a “nightmare”. However, once he began working on site, he found that the physical nature of the job helped him focus on the future rather than the barriers in front of him. He was able to concentrate on 'changing his life' showing immense resilience and determination.

Being part of the Morgan Sindall team gave Dylan a sense of belonging and purpose. He described the team as “class” and said they were respectful, supportive, and encouraging. “Working for Morgan Sindall has made me feel more confident,” he shared. “Seeing others on site made me believe that I could do it too.” He quickly began learning new skills and realised that what began as an entry level opportunity had actually grown into a genuine career path.