Careers & Placement Track

Launchpad 72: Clean Slate CV Builder

Don’t let employment gaps hold you back. If you are entering the workforce after time away, a Functional CV focuses on your hard skills, licences, and work ethic rather than just a timeline. Use this step-by-step blueprint to build a professional CV that gets you through the door.

1. Your CV Blueprint Template

Copy the text box below, paste it into an email, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs, and swap out the bracketed text with your real details.

[YOUR FULL NAME]
Hull, East Yorkshire | [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] | [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Reliable, highly motivated, and punctual professional with a strong mechanical aptitude and a proven work ethic. Possesses a clean CSCS card and extensive experience in physical labor, health and safety compliance, and team-based logistics. Fully committed to securing a long-term role within Hull’s commercial sector and driving productivity on-site.

LICENCES & CORE STRENGTHS
• CSCS Green Labourer Card (Valid registration)
• Health & Safety Level 2 Certification
• Experienced in industrial site preparation and tool maintenance
• Strong communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills
• High physical stamina; accustomed to outdoor shifts and heavy lifting

KEY WORK HISTORY & FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Commercial Labourer / Logistics Specialist | Regional Placements (Hull)
[Start Year] – [End Year]
• Safely managed site preparation, waste removal, and material distribution on high-intensity commercial construction layouts.
• Consistently maintained absolute compliance with strict health and safety protocols, reducing on-site hazards.
• Collaborated closely within 10+ person trade teams to ensure fast-paced project deadlines were met cleanly.
• Commanded inventory handling, stock organization, and secure asset tool logs inside high-volume distribution hubs.

Industrial Machine Operative / Maintenance Assistant | Workspace Operations
[Start Year] – [End Year]
• Safely operated standard production lines and machinery, managing high-volume product throughput.
• Executed daily preventative maintenance sweeps and routine equipment cleaning protocols.
• Demonstrated flexibility by rotating across multiple production stations to clear assembly backlogs.

EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING
• Functional Skills English & Mathematics – Hull Training Hub
• Site Safety Plus (CITB) – Construction Skills Academy
• Emergency First Aid at Work (HSE Compliant)

2. The Strategy: Overcoming the Gaps

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Use a Functional Layout

Traditional CVs list dates first, which immediately flashes a red light over employment gaps. A functional CV puts your Skills & Licences at the top. Employers in construction, logistics, and security want to know if you can do the job today—not where you were two years ago.

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Spin Prison Experience Professionally

If you worked on the wings, in the kitchens, or inside industrial workshops (like woodwork, waste management, or laundry) while serving time, that is valid work history. Do not write “HMP Hull Prison Worker”. Instead, group it professionally under general titles like “Institutional Facility Logistics” or “Commercial Workshop Assistant”.

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Handling the Record Legally

Under the UK Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, spent convictions do not have to be declared for standard roles. For unspent convictions, you do not need to list them on your CV. Your CV’s only job is to get you an interview. We will coach you on how to disclose your background honestly and confidently during a face-to-face chat or via a formal letter later.

Need Help Refurbishing Your CV or Booking a Course?

Remember, through your Jobcentre Work Coach, Launchpad 72 can help you unlock fully funded trade licences, laptop drives, or free pushbikes via the Flexible Support Fund.

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