Business news 13/09/2024

NEET Summer Programme

Keepmoat North West, working in partnership with Preston Vocational Centre, recently helped coordinate and deliver the 'Pathway to Progress Summer Programme' funded by The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, for a group of young people who wished to gain an insight into the construction industry.

The programme was delivered over three-week and aimed at inspiring the young people while raising their awareness of the opportunities the construction industry has to offer.

The young people who were at risk of becoming NEET, (not in education, employment, or training) had all expressed an interest in perusing a career in the construction industry and were recruited to join the programme to help them choose the right career path, develop their skills and ensure they progressed into further education, employment or training.

Everyone who undertook the programme recently attended a presentation event to celebrate completing the programme and signing up to their college course. The young people were presented with their certificates, and a £20 shopping voucher.

Week one

Young people were given an overview of the partners delivering the programme and the mentors before an overview of Keepmoat and the construction industry was delivered by Keepmoat’s Social Value Manager Julie Baker who also discussed the variety of job roles the industry has to offer and the progression routes, both on site and in the office.

The young people also got the opportunity to try their hand at plumbing.

Week two

The young people were given an overview of the skills and qualities required to work in the industry, which covered hints and tips on how to stand out from the crown for the right reason and where to find jobs in the industry.

They also took part in a team building activity which highlighted the importance of working as a team to get the job done. They worked in small groups to design a wheelbarrow to transport water across and obstacle course.

A joinery taster session was also delivered, giving the young people the opportunity to try their hand at cutting mitre joints before making a name plaque.

That week the young people also spent a morning at Keepmoat’s Farington mews development in Leyland, with the Site staff. This gave the young people the opportunity to have a tour of the site, see what working in house building would look like and ask industry experts any question they had.

Week three

Was spent with Keepmoat’s subcontractors Sterling plastering and J&J Bricklayers who shared their career paths and the challenges they have overcome before delivering a hands-on taster session in plastering and bricklaying. This provided young people with the chance to try a trade and ask industry professionals questions about their trade and the progression routes.

Outcomes

At the start of the programme some of the young people thought they knew exactly which trade they wanted to study at college, however having the option to try out these trades and speak to industry professionals has enabled them to make an informed choice and some have now changed their minds.

Two of the students have got interviews for a bricklaying apprenticeship with Keepmoat. Programmes such as this not only helps to reduce the NEET figure but improves college retention rates too.

Feedback

Henry, a participant, shared his thoughts:

"Out of everything I’ve done, plastering has been the most enjoyable. I’ve been coming to PVC once a week for a year and this summer course really helped solidify my interest. Now, I’m planning to go to Preston College to take a course in plastering. PVC gave me the hands-on experience I needed to find what I love."

Chloe, another student, said:

"It’s been amazing! I’ve never met so many people or learned so much about construction as I have at PVC during this course. I was unsure about what I wanted to do, but I’m lucky to have been able to explore different skills and trades. Now, I’m excited to go to Preston College to pursue a course in bricklaying."

Logan, who came from the Prince's Trust, reflected on his journey:

"I came from the Prince's Trust, and they introduced me to this course. It was perfect for me and has kept me out of trouble. Now, I’m hoping to join the apprenticeship programme at PVC and build on everything I’ve learned."

Logan, who came from the Prince's Trust, reflected on his journey:

“We’re incredibly proud of what the students have achieved through the 'Pathway to Progress' programme. Our goal at PVC is to empower young people by providing them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. This programme has not only introduced them to the construction industry but has also given them real-world experience and a clearer path towards their future careers. We couldn't have done it without the invaluable support of our partners, Keepmoat and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire. Their collaboration was essential in making this a success and we’re excited to see where the students’ newfound skills will take them.”

Julie Baker, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat Homes, emphasised the importance of such initiatives:

"As a company, we’re driven to help deliver a sustainable future and for us, this means not only delivering much-needed energy-efficient new homes but also making a positive impact on the communities we work with.
Working in partnership with Preston Vocational Centre and the Lancashire Police Crime Commissioner, we created a bespoke summer programme aimed at giving young people a deeper understanding of the construction industry through hands-on trade taster sessions and fun employability workshops. This raised their awareness of our industry, boosted their aspirations and confidence and enabled them to make well-informed decisions as they progress in their career journeys.

School holidays can be a challenging time for young people, as there is little for them to do, which can increase the risk of getting involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. It is vital that we all work together to give young people these opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and qualities to help them progress into further education or employment, while keeping them engaged and motivated during this difficult time. We wish them all the very best in their future careers."