Willmott Dixon, alongside Inspired Villages and Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a new NEET training programme in Bedfordshire, which will provide a glimpse into life in the construction industry to at least 10 young people
The traineeship, which is run in collaboration with work-place learning provider JTL, targets teens between the ages of 16 and 18 not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Through completing the programme, participants will increase their prospects of securing further education course placements, an apprenticeship or full-time employment.
The traineeship builds on Willmott Dixon’s ‘Now or Never’ 2030 sustainability strategy commitments, where ‘Building Lives’ forms one of its three key focus areas.
The programme takes place in the Building Lives Academy cabin at the Dunstable Integrated Health and Care Hub: a live Willmott Dixon project for Central Bedfordshire Council.
This part of the scheme will focus on employability – featuring workshops on CV writing, interview tips and mock interviews.
The group will also work towards their Health and Safety Level 1 certificate and their CSCS card, which is essential to starting a career in the construction industry.
The participants will then spend two weeks on a live construction site, where they will work with Willmott Dixon’s supply chain in a trade of their choosing.
‘Developing valuable employability skills’
Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The young people will gain a positive experience in the built environment sector and develop valuable employability skills.
“We have run similar schemes across the country that have led to exciting positive outcomes for participants. Whether this has been them having a newfound desire for further education or going on to pursue full-time careers in the construction industry.
“Millfield Green will be net zero carbon in operation and is a fascinating site for those taking part.
“Sustainability is an important focus across the industry, and we are delighted to be working with Inspired Villages and Central Bedfordshire Council to provide valuable insight into the future of construction in the traineeship – particularly around raising environmental awareness and understanding.
“Social value is incredibly important to us as a business and we strive to leave a positive lasting legacy in each and every community we serve.”
The final two weeks will be spent delivering a garden makeover project for Keech Hospice in Luton.
The participants will gain valuable hands-on experience, and will be joined by Bedford College carpentry and landscaping students and teachers, who are also dedicating their time to support the programme.
‘Giving back to the local community’
Lawrence Cramer, people and culture director at Inspired Villages, said: “Giving back to the local communities our retirement villages are located within is a cornerstone belief at Inspired Villages so we are always careful to partner with organisations that share our values – like Willmott Dixon.
“We are therefore delighted to be supporting the young people on Willmott Dixon’s Traineeship Programme with workshops and welcoming them to Millfield Green, our site in Bedfordshire and the UK’s first net zero carbon regulated energy retirement village.
“We hope this initiative will provide valuable work experience for the participants and highlight to the industry how multiple organisations working together can have a powerful social impact.”
Opening doors for young people in the industry
One of the young people on the programme said: “So far I have enjoyed the course, it has been very interesting and I am learning many new things. I am enjoying the health and safety aspects and taking my Health and Safety Test this week.
“I am really looking forward to starting my onsite work experience placement and learning even more about the construction industry, and I hope this opportunity will open some doors for me.”
