Earlier this year, we combined the collective strength of our Construction and Interiors businesses to deliver a joint social value initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment in the Midlands.
Once again, we worked with JTL, one of the largest work-based learning providers in England and Wales to run a 10 week traineeship programme to help kickstart a career in construction for eleven local NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) teenagers aged between 16 and 18 years old.
The first six weeks of the programme focussed on employability, with workshops which included:
- Routes into construction
- CV writing
- Interview tips and mock interviews
- Health & Safety
- Using number and communication in construction
- Future goals and plans
- Positive attitude in the work place
The group also worked towards their Health and Safety Level 1 certificate while earning their CSCS cards.
The final four weeks were then site based work experience at our Willmott Dixon Interiors site, 10 Brindleyplace in central Birmingham and at Willmott Dixon Construction’s Phoenix Arts Centre project in Leicester.
The programme was a great success, with one of the students securing a placement with one of our supply chain partners.
Joshua Yardley, one of the traineeship students said:
“I would recommend this activity to a friend because it allows you to gain vital site experience as well as meeting various different companies and trades, where you can start to get links which will definitely benefit you.”
Jayne Anderson, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors in the Midlands said:
“This is a great cohort of learners who are keen to gain their CSCS qualification and take part in their four weeks of work experience to gain that on site practical knowledge.”
We would also like to thank our supply chain partners, Elmsmere Interiors Systems Ltd, SBS Carpentry and RE Martin Painting & Decorating who also helped in delivering this fantastic programme.
We look forward to expanding our programme to welcome more students in the future.