Jimmy writes:
I was pleased to make a joint presentation at Costain’s first ever Rail Sustainability Day.
Costain held the event in early October to celebrate its joint supply chain sustainability achievements.
It gave members of the supply chain, like VGC, the chance to talk about our experience, and show how we are working with Costain and its clients to complete infrastructure projects in line with sustainability targets.
As VGC recently achieved Costain Blue Status for supply chain performance at CSJV Bond Street, I was delighted to take part in the day’s events. We have developed strong EDI practices throughout the company and we believe industry as a whole should do the same.
With Eibhlin Flynn from Danny Sullivan I gave a joint presentation on social sustainability. We talked about the fact that VGC and Danny Sullivan spend time in the local communities, working hard to make sure that every project gives something back to those communities. We also spoke about the need to make sure youngsters are keen to work in the construction business.
What we do at VGC
VGC draws team members from many different backgrounds. We know that this creates a strong working environment. People can choose from many job opportunities and can be involved in the developments that are taking place within their communities. We think this inspires the next generation too, as today’s workers talk to their children (as well as other family members and friends), which helps to promote the construction industry to a wide range of people.
We know that there is an industry skills shortage and that the information on careers in the industry is often patchy. We also feel that many parents don’t encourage construction as a career. We need to tell people that working in the construction industry can offer job security, excellent chances for promotion and a good salary. This will encourage more people in to our line of work. With this in mind we are working on a programme to show people how their careers might look if they decided to come into the industry.
Because we would like to welcome more women on our sites, we are proud to back the Women into Construction network, an independent organisation that provides support to women looking to work in the industry.
We are gold partners of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and are part of the school’s Fairness, Inclusion and Respect network, with two FIR ambassadors within the business.
Working with Costain gives us a great opportunity to partner with a major contractor who shares our thoughts, which is shown in their ‘Inspire, Hire, Grow’ and ‘Inspiring the next generation’ plans.
We are very pleased to work with Costain, because both our companies believe that it is hugely important to leave a lasting skills legacy for our workforce and the communities in which we work.
