GMI Construction Group has become a signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant after launching its unique Construction Cares Programme, which delivers employment opportunities and employability support.
As part of its initiative, the independent construction firm launched a three-day DIY programme providing care leavers with hands-on experience and training in construction-related jobs.
It was piloted in Birmingham in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Trust, the BFriends charity and South & City College, Birmingham, before being rolled out in Manchester in August, followed by the North East and Leeds.
The workshops teach valuable DIY skills, including painting and decorating, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, and plastering, and is aimed at those preparing to leave the care system or who have recently transitioned to independent living.
Participants were provided with travel and food during the three days as well as a toolkit and an award for completing the course, while all those expressing an interest in one of the trades will be given the opportunity of work experience at a later date.
GMI, which operates across the North of England and the Midlands, first became a partner of the Care Leaver Covenant last April and has since created practical ways of supporting care leavers.
As part of its bespoke Construction Cares Programme, GMI is committed to advertising job roles to care leavers first and has established a guaranteed interview scheme. It will also offer work experience, work trials, employability sessions, and one-to-one mentoring to help participants develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the sector.
The Care Leaver Covenant, the second Government Covenant, is a national inclusion programme launched in 2018 that supports care leavers aged 16-25 to live independently by creating meaningful opportunities.
GMI’s Head of Responsible Business, Claire Preston, who was made Sector Based Champion in 2018 by the Government for her work with care leavers, said: “As a business with strong community links, we are extremely proud to become a Covenant signatory, something that reflects our commitment to offering additional and practical support for those transitioning from care to leading an independent life.
“Our Construction Cares Programme is designed to help care leavers achieve social and economic experience by providing them with valuable life skills and opportunities for a rewarding career in construction.”
Gareth Evans, Head of Delivery at Care Leaver Covenant, said: “We were delighted when GMI Construction signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant and we’ve enjoyed working with Claire and the team on their care leaver programme. We continue to collaborate closely to ensure as many of our young people as possible can put themselves forward for roles at, and receive support from, the company.”
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