A team implementing the UK’s largest concrete repair project is targeting local schools to increase the number of girls choosing a construction career
In conjunction with refurbishing the M5 Oldbury viaduct, the team is working to improve both the capacity and capability of the construction industry and make life better for 320,000 residents and thousands of businesses in the local community.
Now the combined efforts of BAM Nuttall, Morgan Sindall and Volkerfitzpatrick joint venture have scooped a top award at Highways England’s annual supplier recognition awards.
The nomination was among 122 entries in this year’s awards which also recognised companies for achievements in various fields including; Building capacity and capability, communities, customer experience, delivering sustainable value and solutions, efficiencies and continuous improvement, inclusion, innovations and Supply chain management.
Jim O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Highways England said: “Highways England needs the expertise, innovation and passion of our supply chain to help us achieve our goal of delivering our operations and projects across the Strategic Road Network.
“Our challenges are extremely demanding and our awards recognise and celebrate their achievements and contribution to our imperatives of safety, customer service, and delivery.”
The £100m Oldbury Viaduct scheme is the largest by value in the UK. Judges said the team’s work to attract girls to construction had paid dividends and increased the diversity of the workforce. The award also recognised their efforts to employ local apprentices, source people from a diverse talent pool, and employ disabled and long-term unemployed people.
The team has also worked with residents to transform a former derelict site into a community garden.
Highways England is taking part in the Year of Engineering campaign, which aims to inspire young people to consider engineering as a rewarding career. Highways England is looking for a continuing pipeline of young engineers to deliver the multi-billion investment plans for motorways and major A-roads, improving lives and making a positive difference to the world.
These awards show what can be achieved across the roads industry and could help inspire young people to consider engineering as a rewarding career.
