Bouygues UK Recruits Local Adults for Careers in Construction
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE, CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYER ACCORD AND GTS
Five previously unemployed adults from the London boroughs of Brent, Waltham Forest and Westminster have been recruited by Bouygues UK for permanent employment on the company's construction sites across London.
The following young adults were selected for employment after a rigorous recruitment process in partnership with the employment organisations of the three London boroughs concerned; Brent into Work, Westminster Works and the Waltham Forest Job Centre:
• Asif Jahangir – Brent
• Moses Sanu – Brent
• Wayne Williams – Waltham Forest
• Jonathan Catlow – Waltham Forest
• Mark Walsh – Westminster
The recruitment process began in October 2009 when 12 potential recruits were selected from the three London boroughs to commence a six week training programme to assess their practical skills and suitability for construction work. The programme comprised Employability, Health and Safety Training and Formwork Training with the National Construction College, Bouygues-specific formwork training and a three week trial on a Bouygues UK construction site.
At the end of the training period, the five successful applicants were offered a permanent role with GTS, Bouygues UK's main partner labour agency, to continue their training and development on a Bouygues UK construction site. Each employee has been assigned a Bouygues UK mentor to assist them with day to day practicalities and to discuss their ongoing and future aspirations.
The scheme, to recruit and train unemployed adults from the communities in which Bouygues UK operates, is the first to be trialled by the company and looks set to continue as a result of its success to date.
Speaking of the scheme, David Myerscough, Senior HR Manager at Bouygues UK says:
“I don't doubt that our five candidates will prove to be a real asset to the company, having shown themselves to be bright, motivated and adept at learning new skills. Launching this initiative has been a fantastic opportunity to learn more about maximising talent in the communities where we work and we are keen to continue its development in the future.”
Mark Walsh (20 years old), from Westminster, has just begun his new role at Pimlico Academy School in Westminster where Bouygues UK is undertaking a complete rebuild as part of the government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. The new building aims to put the academy at the heart of the community and, once complete, will provide state of the art sports and performing arts facilities and a new community library and adult education centre.
Speaking of his experience to date, Mark says:” Being recruited as a trainee has been a brilliant experience so far and already I've learnt so many skills. The initial six week training programme was a great introduction to construction and I've received consistent support since I started work on site. It's been a great opportunity to pursue a career in an industry that offers so many different roles.”
Andy Walder, Director of the National Construction College says:“This is an example of a proactive and positive working partnership that has invested in young people and helped them to become valuable members of the construction industry. We value this partnership and what it has achieved and we are looking forward to working with Bouygues UK in the future.”
GTS spokeswoman Laura Adams says: “GTS believes this has been an exceptional achievement. By helping to equip local candidates with the skills required to get back into the workplace, the successful candidates will benefit not only from the knowledge gained but a credible work placement. GTS has enjoyed taking part in this initiative and looks forward to working with other boroughs."
Laura Hayfield, Construction Employer Accord Manager says: “It's great to see such genuine benefit for unemployed people arising from the Building Schools for the Future projects Bouygues UK has undertaken. Formwork is a recognised skill shortage but it's difficult for those not already in the industry to access as they tend to be learnt on site. This innovative programme means that those recruited now have meaningful work experience and training, are receiving a good salary and have excellent prospects in their future career. The Construction Accord looks forward to expanding this programme with Bouygues UK in the future”.
cnews
