Launched this week at the Energy & Utility Skills Conference and Awards, the Workforce Demand Reports from Energy & Utility Skills highlight the significant skills and workforce challenges facing industries in the sector over the next six years. The reports outline what will be needed to enable the UK to
Bouygues UK and Acorn by Synergie’s Pentre Awel employment hub has created several career opportunities within construction on the landmark project in Carmarthenshire. The innovative, multi-million-pound development, being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, is the largest regeneration scheme in South West Wales. The employment hub has provided local people the
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a training programme to help building services firms work more closely with schools and inspire future generations of building services engineers. The BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme is fully funded by the Association and was developed by the schools
Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, a young engineer from the UK is aiming to fly the flag at this month’s “Skills Olympics’’ in France, with continued backing from Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK. Luke Haile, a refrigeration technician from Lightfoot Defence, will represent the UK
wienerberger UK & Ireland, a leading provider of solutions across the building envelope, has launched a new partnership with charity Emmaus UK as it begins to implement its first ever social impact strategy. Under the agreement, wienerberger will contribute £10,000 to Emmaus UK’s Companion Training Fund. The programme provides grants
Bouygues UK, the construction company currently building the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, has joined forces with Skanska UK to showcase local construction projects and possible future construction careers to schoolchildren in Tewkesbury. Tewkesbury, which will create 136,000sq ft for 56 high quality retail and food and beverage brands when it opens
With national and global skills shortages in engineering, Finning – the world’s largest dealer of Catâ equipment, parts and services – is bucking the trend by successfully developing its own talent. Not only does its UK Apprenticeship Academy boast a 100% retention rate – meaning all students over the last
Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, comments on the announced closure of Women into Construction after 16 years of operation: Jon Howlin commented: “I was truly saddened to hear the news about Women into Construction closing its doors after 16 years of incredible work. Kath Moore MBE and her
The life of Louis Bienaime might easily have gone in a different direction, but instead he is a great example of how the construction sector can help turnaround the fortunes of individuals, and gain valuable employees. Uncertainty over employment, an appearance before the court, and limited outlook nearly took Louis
Leading construction company Henry Brothers has partnered with the Scottish Prison Service to support its workshop joinery training programme, designed to improve employability skills for inmates upon release. As part of its ongoing work with the Dunfermline Army Reserve Project, Henry Brothers has acquired five eight-seater picnic tables produced through
Launched this week at the Energy & Utility Skills Conference and Awards, the Workforce Demand Reports from Energy & Utility Skills highlight the significant skills and workforce challenges facing industries in the sector over the next six years. The reports outline what will be needed to enable the UK to achieve the Government’s ambition of becoming a clean energy superpower and delivering improvements to our environment. Phil Beach, CEO of Energy & Utility Skills, opened the conference with a welcoming address, setting the scene for the sessions to follow. Mark Wild, OBE, CEO of SGN and Chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership CEO Council, then delivered a keynote speech ‘Taking on the Skills Gap,’ offering valuable insights into workforce development, talent attraction, and the scale of the skills challenge. Phil Beach returned to the stage to lead the session ‘The Skills Opportunities of Net Zero and Environmental Goals,’ focusing on the sector’s key challenges and opportunities and the potential for Government, employers and unions to work in partnership to deliver change. Panels of experts, industry leaders, and regulators then explored the data in the reports. The demand for both current and planned skilled roles is exceptionally high and is exacerbated by challenges in filling these positions. The volume of people needed to be working in the sector is growing, and excluding staff turnover, over 205,000 new jobs are expected. Labour market forecasts further complicate the situation, predicting that over 105,000 workers (1/6 of the current workforce) will retire by 2030. This raises the total number of new workers needed to over 312,000. Notably, more than half of these roles (52%) will require low to mid-level skills, highlighting the need for better alignment between national skills policies and industry demands. With the sector operating in a highly competitive environment for scarce skilled resources, the focus on recruitment, development, progression, and retention is more critical than ever. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) are vital components of this strategy, helping to broaden the talent pool and ensure the sector remains resilient amidst rapid growth and evolving demands. A successful social impact commitment and coordination of EDI initiatives will reduce barriers to opportunity and expand access to high-quality jobs within the sector to meet the requirements for net zero. Phil Beach, closed the conference by thanking participants and highlighting the skills opportunities arising from net zero environmental goals, commenting, “We need an additional 200,000 people in the energy and utilities sector by 2030 to deliver the Government’s missions. This requires a more demand-led skills system that delivers competent people. Government, industry, and unions need to work together to identify these compeEnergy tencies and ensure the skills system is sufficiently agile and responsive to deliver them. The introduction of Skills England is a huge opportunity and will hopefully herald increased flexibility in apprenticeship funding and delivery whilst preserving them as a critically important feature of the skills landscape.” For more detailed insights and to explore the strategies essential to addressing these pressing workforce issues, please refer to the Workforce Demand Estimates 2024 to 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK and Acorn by Synergie’s Pentre Awel employment hub has created several career opportunities within construction on the landmark project in Carmarthenshire. The innovative, multi-million-pound development, being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, is the largest regeneration scheme in South West Wales. The employment hub has provided local people the chance to find out about potential construction trade jobs at the site, as well as supporting them with training and skills. Client Development Director for Acorn by Synergie, Lawrence Beach, has held regular sessions at the site, allowing unemployed people from the local community to come along and find out more about Pentre Awel: “The employment hub gives people out of work the chance to come and see what the site is like and see if there may be any opportunities that might interest them within the various trades present on site. “Pentre Awel is a huge site and coming here gives people a real taste of what a career in construction might look like. It’s open to all, is very informal and relaxed and is the perfect opportunity for people who think they might enjoy working on site to come and see it for themselves.” Lawrence added: “We run two-to-three-hour question and answer sessions which not only give people the chance to learn about all the different trades on a site, but also gives us an idea of what might suit that person too, so we can try and match the right people to the right trades. It’s very collaborative and supportive.” Geraldine Evans, 32, from Dafen, Llanelli is working as a site labourer for supply chain partners Massey Cladding Solutions at Pentre Awel and she has recently been awarded Operative of the Month for her efforts. She was interested in working in construction so attended the employment hub and found it very welcoming. She said: “I’m really enjoying the work. There is plenty of work to do, which I like because I like to be busy and I enjoy working for Masseys and their site team (managers and operatives). There is a really good working environment and everyone treats me with respect. It was also lovely to receive the health and safety award for the month which I’ve never had before.” Bouygues UK social value advisor Nina Williams said of the hub: “The employment hub has been a crucial tool to help us engage with local people who are looking for work or those who are interested in entering the industry. Giving people the chance to come on site means they can really get a sense of how things work here and whether construction is something that appeals to them. It’s great to see how well Geraldine is doing and how she has integrated herself into the team.” As well as supporting local employment opportunities through the employment hub, Bouygues UK is also supporting apprenticeship opportunities in partnership with the Coleg Sir Gar and Cyfle Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship Scheme. Through Cyfle, Bouygues UK and Whiteheads Building Services are supporting 10 electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, which will allow more apprentices to enter the industry and work with a number of different local employers. Harrison Griffiths, a Cyfle Technical apprentice who is currently on long-term placement with Bouygues UK at Pentre Awel said: “Doing an apprenticeship is an ideal way to get a start in the industry and it has been amazing working on such a prestigious scheme. I really love being part of the team on site and learning everything I can about how a site works and the work that goes into building a major project. I would encourage anyone thinking about a career in construction to consider an apprenticeship.” Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “Increasing employment is a key objective of the County Council, and a significant driver for this phase of the Pentre Awel development. We are pleased that the Employment Hwb has been successful in engaging with local people who have interest in the industry and hope that this gives local people an idea of how Pentre Awel can benefit them in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a training programme to help building services firms work more closely with schools and inspire future generations of building services engineers. The BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme is fully funded by the Association and was developed by the schools engagement specialists Built Environment Skills in Schools (BESS) which has worked with more than 4,000 schools across the UK. The 12-week programme is designed to give engineers and business owners the skills and knowledge they need to engage effectively with their local schools and promote career opportunities in the building services industry. The training will be delivered in three tranches with eight places available on the September intake with another eight in January 2025 and a third cohort setting out on their engagement journey in April. Full details can be found here. BESA members regularly cite long-term skills shortages as the biggest challenge to their businesses and this new fully funded scheme is part of the Association’s response. Members will now have the chance to work with experienced educators to gain insights into engaging the interest of school children and inspiring them to want to work in a sector that can make a huge difference to major social issues like climate change, air quality, and health & wellbeing. ConfidenceAs well as helping to shape a future generation of engineers and improve the flow of skilled workers into the sector, this exercise can also have major benefits for existing staff who gain valuable communication and presentation skills – not to mention improved confidence. “This is a groundbreaking exercise for our industry and an opportunity not to be missed,” said BESA’s head of skills & policy Stuart Rattray. “Early adopters can demonstrate their commitment to education and community involvement which will boost their reputation. “It also gives them the opportunity to spot and nurture young talent early, creating a direct pipeline of future apprentices and employees who are already familiar with the company and the work opportunities available in our sector.” BESA also pointed out that working with schools aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, demonstrating a company’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting local education. “By helping to educate and inspire future engineers today, employers are investing in the long-term success and sustainability of their companies and the broader building engineering services industry,” said Rattray. “They will be sowing the SEEDS for the future of skills in our industry.” Topics covered in the training include understanding the National Curriculum, OFSTED requirements, safeguarding issues, and best practices for engaging with schools safely and effectively. The programme also shows employers how to build partnerships with local educators. Adam Taylor, chair of BESA’s Indoor Air Quality group, has already completed several engagement projects with schools focused on the topic of air quality. He said the adults working with the children also gained valuable, and sometimes surprising, insights. “The children were clearly engaged and had a lot of fun building the air filter boxes we used as a practical exercise,” said Taylor who is CEO of ARM Environments. “The exercise ended up being one third educational (about air quality), one third just having fun building the boxes, and the other third was all about demonstrating you can do this kind of thing for a living and make a difference to people’s lives. “As an example of how to engage school children in activities with a building services connection, it shows the importance of giving them something visual and interesting to work with,” said Taylor. Sign up for the free BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme and become part of this major new initiative to inspire future generations of building services engineers and secure your skills pipeline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, a young engineer from the UK is aiming to fly the flag at this month’s “Skills Olympics’’ in France, with continued backing from Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK. Luke Haile, a refrigeration technician from Lightfoot Defence, will represent the UK at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon (10-15 September) on equipment supplied by Fujitsu in France, having completed his training on similar kit donated by Fujitsu in the UK. The former apprentice, from Hampshire, won the WorldSkills UK-RACHPSkills UK gold medal in 2022, when Fujitsu was headline sponsor of the event. That victory earned him the right to compete at WorldSkills 2024, known as the “Skills Olympics’’. In keeping with their efforts to help develop the next generation of engineers, Fujitsu has maintained its relationship with Haile and continued to offer support by providing equipment for him to train on, under the guidance of Mark Forsyth, a WorldSkills UK training manager and owner of Coriolis International. Haile said: “Fujitsu General Air Conditioning has supported my WorldSkills journey from the very beginning. Its sponsorship during the early stages encouraged not only myself but other young and up-and-coming engineers. “Fujitsu’s backing extended far beyond sponsorship; offering me access to their technical experts and a wide range of advanced equipment to train on, as well as onsite visits. This invaluable support has not only sharpened my skills but also shaped me into becoming a better engineer. I am deeply grateful and am certain the friendships forged will extend beyond the WorldSkills final.’’ Martyn Ives, Commercial Director, Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK, said: “Fujitsu is extremely proud of its efforts to help improve standards across the air conditioning and heat pump sectors. We have formed partnerships with a number of colleges across the UK and we are delighted to have been able to help Luke on his way to Lyon. “We donated a wall mounted split system for Luke to train on and hopefully that training will help him to prove his worth against the best young engineers from around the world.’’ Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “We are extremely grateful for the continued support from Fujitsu towards Luke’s training programme for WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and for our National Finals which will take place in Greater Manchester in November. “We couldn’t be prouder of Luke and Team UK; they are fantastic role models. We will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK.” WorldSkills UK, a four-nation partnership between education, industry and UK governments, is responsible for selecting, mentoring and training Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Pearson, the world’s leading learning company is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024. WorldSkills Lyon 2024 will host over 1500 young people from 65 countries, who will compete in 62 different skill disciplines. To discover more about the Fujitsu product range, visit https://www.fujitsu-general.com/uk/ or email sales@fgac.fujitsu-general.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
wienerberger UK & Ireland, a leading provider of solutions across the building envelope, has launched a new partnership with charity Emmaus UK as it begins to implement its first ever social impact strategy. Under the agreement, wienerberger will contribute £10,000 to Emmaus UK’s Companion Training Fund. The programme provides grants to residents of Emmaus UK communities, enabling them to acquire valuable skills and qualifications for employment. Priority will be given, when feasible, to allocating funds for companions interested in pursuing training and education opportunities within the broader construction industry. The partnership will also allow for product donations to build and/or renovate Emmaus UK’s buildings, and opportunities for wienerberger’s employees to volunteer for the charity “Emmaus is really excited about the future of our partnership with wienerberger. With the combination of a corporate donation, colleague fundraising, training opportunities and product donations, we look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on our companions and communities,” commented Robyn Cummins, Director of Fundraising and Influence, Emmaus UK. There is a growing crisis of housing insecurity within the UK, with the housing and homeless charity Shelter estimating that over one million households are waiting for social homes and at least 300,000 people are estimated as homeless in England, with a 27% rise in rough sleeping in the past year alone. wienerberger’s inaugural social impact strategy focuses on addressing housing insecurity through meaningful action. The initiative aims to prevent individuals from losing their homes, support those at risk, and assist people experiencing housing crises in rebuilding their lives. The programme is a key component of wienerberger’s broader sustainability strategy, “Let’s Build Beyond,” which is dedicated to supporting communities throughout the UK and Ireland. The company’s social impact strategy also includes proactive actions to prevent homelessness, such as working with vulnerable groups to offer support through work experience and skills development. This includes young care leavers, who have experienced a 33% increase in homelessness in the past five years. wienerberger will offer work taster days in partnership with Greater Manchester Youth Network at the company’s Head Office in Cheadle, Stockport. Simon Nevitt, Chief Manufacturing Officer at wienerberger UK & Ireland said: “We have a responsibility as a leading provider of building solutions to create value for our communities and play an active role in the areas in which we operate. Our social impact strategy is just the beginning of our commitment that will deliver ambitious, positive and long-lasting impact for our people, our partners, and our communities.” Further efforts to tackle homelessness and deliver social value include collaborating with the supply chain, making targeted product donations to improve public amenities, and direct engagement with community groups and schools. Through its social impact strategy, wienerberger also aims to engage its employees in causes that are close to their hearts. This includes support for personal fundraising, and a Community Fund for each UK location. Causes that have been nominated by employees to receive Community Fund support to date range from a dog rescue centre, a dementia community café, sports teams, a memorial garden, hospices, and a charity supporting homeless families. To find out more read wienerberger UK & Ireland’s social impact strategy here – https://www.wienerberger.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/social-impact.html. To explore wienerberger UK & Ireland’s product donation guidelines and apply, visit its website – Product Donations | Wienerberger UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK, the construction company currently building the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, has joined forces with Skanska UK to showcase local construction projects and possible future construction careers to schoolchildren in Tewkesbury. Tewkesbury, which will create 136,000sq ft for 56 high quality retail and food and beverage brands when it opens in Spring 2025. Skanska UK is also working in Tewkesbury, modernising the British Army’s vehicle hub nearby. In order to offer STEM engagement and promote the construction industry and career routes to nearby Tewkesbury Academy and Alderman Knight School, the two construction firms decided to work together to provide a joint delivery of STEM engagement, using ‘Building Aspirations’ sessions. Bouygues UK’s social value advisor for the Cotswolds Designer Outlet project, Nick Toulson, said it is a great example of collaborative working between competitors to increase learning opportunities for the local community as well as offering an insight into the many careers available in the construction industry. He said: “It’s quite a collaboration between two tier one construction companies working in Tewkesbury with major building contracts in close proximity, underway at the same time. Following a conversation between Bouygues UK, Skanska UK and Tewkesbury Academy at the school’s careers fair, we agreed to trial some joint delivery to increase learning opportunities for the students. “It makes perfect sense as we are both working with the same school audience to offer STEM engagement, promote the construction industry and career routes. It’s been great working with Skanska and has really benefited the children we’re working with.” Alex Green, Trainee Quantity Surveyor for Skanska UK added, “It has been a rewarding opportunity to shine a light on the diverse range of careers and opportunities in the construction industry. I myself, as a degree apprentice have been able to share first hand the path I have taken into the business, which is becoming ever more prevalent as another education option. Collaborating with Bouygues UK has been enjoyable, and I truly believe we have opened the minds of the young people to our industry.” The collaboration has already led to four workshops which have been successfully delivered to 100 pupils. Using a Building Aspirations session and showcasing Bouygues UK’ s and Skanska UK’s local construction projects, the team were able to: Bouygues UK has also run Building Aspirations and Construction Challenge Lessons to local primary school children to two groups of pupils at Abbey View School and a Building Aspirations session and two Construction Management Challenge activities to Year Five at Carrant Brook Junior School. Kelly Jefferies, Mathematics and Design Technology Lead, Carrant Brook Junior School said: “The pupils were extremely engaged and thoroughly enjoyed both sessions. These opportunities don’t come up very often for schools these days and so it was a fantastic experience for the children that they wouldn’t normally have in relation to STEM. The construction activity was great. It kept all children engaged and was an excellent high ceiling low threshold exercise which meant all abilities could be challenged.” When working on any project, Bouygues UK takes great steps to add to the social value of the community in which it is working and is also working with the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) Gloucester and Tewkesbury Job Centres as part of their SWAP programme. The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) gives jobseekers who are 16 and over and are claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs. This programme can last up to six weeks and includes pre-employment training, on-site training and mentoring, a short work placement and a guaranteed job interview or help with the application process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With national and global skills shortages in engineering, Finning – the world’s largest dealer of Catâ equipment, parts and services – is bucking the trend by successfully developing its own talent. Not only does its UK Apprenticeship Academy boast a 100% retention rate – meaning all students over the last two years have gone on to employment with the company – but it has now also achieved a “good” OFSTED rating. Finning launched its Apprenticeship Academy at its Cannock UK headquarters in 2007. This was an unusual step at the time, as most businesses take on apprentices in the role of employer, while an educational institution, usually a College of Further Education (FE) delivers the academic learning and administers the qualification. But the decision quickly started to return real business benefits. The academy was inspected by OFSTED in July this year, receiving highly positive feedback on the state-of-the-art learning environment, a culture of inclusivity and the enjoyment apprentices find in their courses. Inspectors also noted how effective communication between instructors and line managers helped apprentices to improve, and how students with additional needs achieved as well as their peers. As Academy Manager Craig Smallman explains, the rating reflects the importance Finning has placed on the scheme and the impact it has had both for apprentices and the business. “By keeping the whole apprenticeship program in-house, we can deliver academic learning in the best way to prepare our students for a career with us – enthusing people about engineering and addressing the ongoing skills shortages the industry faces. “The results from Ofsted speak for themselves. The national retention figure for apprenticeship employers is around 56%, but at Finning we’ve retained all but one of our apprentices over the last two years who have gone on to secure a job with us. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the talented people we have working here and the focus we place on supporting them.” With the program now in its 18th year, its positive influence can be seen right across the company. Academy graduates now fulfil a variety of management positions in both engineering and non-engineering roles. This includes Craig, who himself started his career with Finning as an apprentice, and is particularly proud of how the scheme has fostered wider diversity and inclusion: “Diversity and inclusion is an area where we see a real opportunity for the academy to contribute to the wider organization and the industry. We have measures in place to recruit and support a diverse cohort and it was great to see that recognised in the Ofsted report. Over the next few years, we plan to double in size and this year’s intake will be the biggest ever. The ages of our current students range from 16 to 53, we are a disability confident employer, one in six of our apprentices are female and we would like it to be more. Finning is an amazing place to work with opportunities to travel all over the world and work with great people. We have sites right across the UK and Ireland so whoever and wherever you are, if you would like to work with these amazing machines, we would love to hear from you.”
Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, comments on the announced closure of Women into Construction after 16 years of operation: Jon Howlin commented: “I was truly saddened to hear the news about Women into Construction closing its doors after 16 years of incredible work. Kath Moore MBE and her team have made a tremendous impact on our industry, supporting thousands of women and helping to break down barriers in construction. At The Skills Centre, we’ve been proud to collaborate with Women into Construction on several programmes, helping many women start their careers in this field. Their closure is a significant loss, but it also reminds us of the importance of the work that still needs to be done. The numbers — 4,700 women supported, 1,300 placed in employment—are a testament to the change that can happen when we work together. But this journey isn’t over. We now have to think about how we can build on what’s been achieved and ensure that the momentum isn’t lost. This is a time for all of us in the industry to come together, to keep pushing for diversity, and to make sure the progress we’ve seen continues. We’re committed to this at The Skills Centre, and we know that with the support and collaboration of our industry, we can keep moving forward. Thank you to Kath and her team for all they’ve done. Let’s honour their legacy by continuing to open doors and create opportunities for everyone in construction.” The Skills Centre is one of the UK’s leading construction skills training companies with centres in central London, Kent, Cardiff and the West Midlands. The Skills Centre specialises in training and apprenticeships for groundwork, formwork and steel fixing, and its learners and apprentices work on major projects across the UK, including HS2, Everton Football Ground, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Canada Water. The Skills Centre’s ambition is to transform lives, creating local opportunities for local people and opening the doors to a career in construction through collaboration with industry and community leaders. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The life of Louis Bienaime might easily have gone in a different direction, but instead he is a great example of how the construction sector can help turnaround the fortunes of individuals, and gain valuable employees. Uncertainty over employment, an appearance before the court, and limited outlook nearly took Louis on a downward trajectory. But despite the odds, Louis turned his life around and within two years, is now helping others improve their life chances as part of his role as a Customer Services Apprentice at Wates Living Space on the housing maintenance contract for Croydon Council, a key function which is supporting the company’s social values initiatives that help other young people. After his brush with the courts, Louis’ family pointed him towards taking the Construkt course run by Serious About Youth at Croydon College. The Construkt programme focuses on those aged 16 to 25 years old from black, asian and minority (BAME) backgrounds, particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEETS). It provides individuals like Louis with pathways into construction industry and engineering careers, builds confidence, teaches team working, and in the case of those choosing a career in building, Health and Safety Level 1 and CSCS card training. The course also helps individuals secure apprenticeships, permanent employment and work experience, and has resulted in positive outcomes for more than 75 per cent of participants. Louis joined the Construkt course sponsored by Wates, and it turned his life around. It gave him the confidence, knowledge, skills and ambition to work in the construction sector, and trained in how to work collaboratively in a positive team environment alongside others. It also taught planning, including practical exercises such as producing the technical as well as engineering elements involved in producing tenders. This includes building large scale models out of timber. A key element the Construkt programme also involves preparing individuals for what comes after the course, including writing a CV and interview skills. This says Louis, was very significant in providing the confidence to tackle the jobs market, which again was made easier because another factor of the course is arranging for perspective employers to attend an end of course social get together. As a course sponsor, and because Wates has a hands-on approach to social and community projects it supports in Croydon and elsewhere, the course was visited by Jamie Clancy-Toomey, Social Value Manager at Wates, and that is where she and Louis first met. And it could also have been their only encounter. But it was not, thanks to Rommell Wallace, Co-founder and Director of Serious About Youth, who had become a trusted mentor to those on the course. Louis explains: ‘At the end of the Construkt course there was a celebratory get together attended by local employers. Lacking a bit of confidence, I wasn’t going to go in, but Rommell told me I needed to. That I needed to put myself forward in front of those who were offering apprenticeships. He told me nobody could do it for me. So I went, and I met Jamie again, and the result is me now working for Wates.’ Louis was not the only one on the course to land an apprenticeship with Wates. Jermal Douglin-Kirton, another Croydon Student, got an apprenticeship as a carpenter, and at least two others have done the same course and undertaken work experience with Wates, with the potential of them going for a further internship or employment. The benefit to individuals is clear, but it also benefits the wider community and economy. As a Customer Services Apprentice, Louis’ primary role is in liaising with Croydon Council in the delivery of Wates housing maintenance contract services, and involves working with a wide range people and organisations to ensure services are provided to standard and on time. It involves constant learning, and Louis finds great reward in no two days being the same. ‘One of the great things about the job is the variety. One minute I can speaking with suppliers, the next it can be a liaising with someone in a council department. No day is the same,’ says Louis. However, a key part of Louis’ job is also helping to implement social value programmes run by Wates in Croydon, including supporting students work experience, helping the elderly with digital skills and community building projects planting allotments. Louis also shares his experiences with other young people as part of the programme. As Louis comments, ‘I’m in a great position to help others. Because of my experiences I can relate to people in ways that helps them, and allows them to find the right direction. Louis recognises his life could be very different, and is absolutely clear about why his journey has taken the positive course that it has. Support from family, and being able to join the Construkt course, and the dedication of Wates in implementing social value commitments, but crucially, it is the influence of Rommell Wallace as an effective and influential mentor that pushed Louis into helping himself. Louis emphasises there is an important lesson for others. There are opportunities for young people, but you have to make the most of them, to be bold in a positive way, and be prepared to get noticed for the right reasons. ‘Others cannot do it for you,’ he says. Jamie Clancy-Toomey points out, the new phase of Louis’ life is a result of others creating opportunity, and Louis himself taking responsibility. ‘Wates provides a range of opportunities for young people. We provide finance for courses, plus support in other ways. There are opportunities out there created by Serious About Youth and others, but when it comes down to it, young people also have to put themselves out there.’ This sentiment strongly endorsed by Rommell Wallace. ‘In areas like Croydon, negatives circles of influence can be found all over, and it is often easy to get drawn in. But there are also positive entry points and avenues to be taken if individuals have the motivation,’
Leading construction company Henry Brothers has partnered with the Scottish Prison Service to support its workshop joinery training programme, designed to improve employability skills for inmates upon release. As part of its ongoing work with the Dunfermline Army Reserve Project, Henry Brothers has acquired five eight-seater picnic tables produced through the Prison Service training initiative. Ian Henry, CR Director at Henry Brothers, commented: “As a responsible business, Henry Brothers is passionate about supporting the areas in which it operates and providing opportunities to enhance local spaces. “This initiative embodies our core values, reflecting our commitment to social responsibility and collaboration for positive impact, and we are thrilled that we can give back in a way that benefits the wider community.” Henry Brothers, which has an office in Cardross, Dunbartonshire, secured the contract for the construction of the new Army Reserve Centre in Dunfermline in 2022. The five tables purchased will be generously donated to Fife Council for Dunfermline Public Park, Pittencreiff Park and St Leonard’s Park in line with the objectives of the Park Improvement Strategy. Adele Rae, General Manager at SPS Fauldhouse said: “Individuals in the care of the Scottish Prison Service have been involved in the manufacturing of a range of quality garden products for over 35 years. “The joinery training programmes in our prisons give people the opportunity to gain valuable new skills and qualifications and make positive changes to their lives. “We are delighted to see that their work is benefiting the local community in Dunfermline”. Fife Council’s Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, Cllr James Calder commented: “Henry Brothers plays a vital role in community support, and its recent generous donation will have a notable impact. “The contributed benches are expected to enhance our outdoor facilities, encouraging increased use of the park and contributing to the improved health and well-being of the local community by fostering a connection with nature. “The success of the Park Improvement Strategy, which seeks to upgrade facilities for residents, workers, and visitors alike, is dependent, in part, on contributions from responsible local businesses such as Henry Brothers and we are thrilled to have their support in this endeavour.” For more information about the company’s’ extensive corporate responsibility programme, visit henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
