Empowering Jobseekers with Construction Careers Events in the South West

Bouygues UK, lead contractor for the first phase of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet for regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins Ltd in Tewkesbury, is hosting a series of construction careers events aimed at fostering employment opportunities within the construction industry. Held at job centres in Cheltenham, Bristol, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury, these events highlight the contractor’s ongoing commitment to social value and community engagement.

Construction for the Cotswolds Designer Outlet commenced in November 2023, with rapid progress towards a Summer 2025 opening, with the scheme now on target to be 98% fully let.

Global fashion labels Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and BOSS are among the stellar line up of new brands opening later this year, alongside fashion, athleisure, beauty and homewares brands such as Marks & Spencer, Adidas, Levi’s, GUESS, Radley, Sweaty Betty and Under Armour. Dining brands include Wagamama, Zizzi, Five Guys, Pret a Manger, Caffe Nero, 200 Degrees and Knead Bakery. Cotswolds Designer Outlet is located at Junction 9 of the M5 in Tewkesbury, and inspired by classic Cotswolds architecture to create an elevated customer-focused environment and a full-day out experience in an exceptional location.

Bouygues UK’s activity to raise awareness of various career paths in construction in the local community kicked off last year in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with a sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) that targeted job seekers ready to join the construction phase. This programme included pre-employment training, on-site training and mentoring, a short work placement, along with a guaranteed job interview or assistance with the application process.

Now Bouygues UK is holding similar events at Cheltenham and Bristol Job Centres.

At Cheltenham, Bouygues UK, along with McCoys Contractors, JFK Electrical, JG Bricklaying, and Sphere Solutions, is sharing industry knowledge and insights to inspire and educate job seekers, encouraging them to consider careers in the dynamic and growing sector of construction.

The Bristol events are specially designed for ex-offenders, long-term unemployed individuals, and those aged 50 and above. Bouygues UK and partners are offering targeted guidance and support to help these groups overcome barriers to employment and re-enter the workforce.

The response from participants has been positive and has already resulted in tangible outcomes. So far, three attendees have signed up with Sphere Solutions and two others have been referred to Restore Trust for their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.

Victoria Haddow, Social Value Advisor at Bouygues UK emphasised the importance of this activity for Bouygues UK. She said:

These career events are about more than just recruitment; they are about fostering a real connection with the local community and creating pathways to meaningful employment. We are dedicated to supporting jobseekers in achieving their career goals within the construction industry.

Robyn Marshall at Sphere Solutions, added:

Our collaboration with Bouygues UK and other partners has been instrumental in providing essential support and guidance to jobseekers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see attendees leave with newfound confidence and real opportunities.

Nathan Larcombe, who took part in the programme said:

The session was very helpful. It showed me how to get in contact with certain employers and the best way to approach them. Very useful information, and I learned about the best trade for me to get into.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet is set to become a tourist attraction in its own right by virtue of its location at the gateway to the Cotswolds and also its proximity to the M5 motorway which acts as a conduit to the South West. By contributing to the visitor economy the outlet will position itself as a brand experience, fulfilling all the promise of a visit to a modern outlet – offering relaxed, sociable and price-conscious shopping whether stopping off en route or taking in the quality environs and high provision of guest service as part of a stay in the neighbouring Cotswolds region.

Outside of the holiday season the outlet will serve a wide regional audience, bringing in visitors from the areas between Bristol and Birmingham and from to the west of Tewkesbury from as far as South Wales.