Willmott Dixon’s employability initiative has reached a major milestone, as a pupil becomes the 1,000th person to complete its enrichment programme to equip young people with key skills to succeed in the workplace
Since the employability initiative was launched in 2016, the company has delivered the programme across 25 schools, with students benefiting from more than 600,000 hours of learning provided by Willmott Dixon.
The six-week programme is aimed at pupils between Years 7 and 10, and enables them to get involved in a wide range of construction and employability-related activities.
The employability initiative allows young people to receive first-hand insight from the Willmott Dixon team about a range of operational, design, digital and customer-focused roles the company has.
Pupils also get a virtual tour of a live site before completing a bespoke class assignment designed to give them valuable practical knowledge of construction alongside broader employability skills.
The employability initiative is changing the way that people think about construction
Miki, who is a 13-year-old pupil at the Willmott Dixon-built University of Birmingham School, said: “I really enjoyed the enrichment programme. It was fun and I especially liked the arts and crafts part of building the village.
“I knew very little about the construction industry before completing the programme, and it has made me think differently. I thought the construction industry was just people in neon jackets, but I now know much more about the different job roles and opportunities. It is important to make the right choices and think about the environment when building for the future.”
‘Breaking down the barriers that might prevent a young person from considering a career in construction’
Rebecca Tigue, director of the university training school at the University of Birmingham School, commented: “We are proud to see the success of Willmott Dixon’s enrichment programme, which was exclusive to the University of Birmingham School in its first two years to pilot activities.
“Willmott Dixon built our school in 2016, so to see how the relationship has grown since then – they offer this package of activities to every Year 8 pupil that has passed through our doors – is a huge commitment for which we’re very grateful.
“The experience no doubt leaves a lasting impression on those involved and serves to break down the barriers that might prevent a young person from considering a career in construction – while showing the sheer variety of opportunities available in the sector. The sustainability angle will really capture the imagination of pupils, who are already very enthusiastic about this in their studies.”
Each programme requires the support of at least five Willmott Dixon colleagues, which is made possible by company-backed volunteering hours.
