| | Balfour Beatty, HMP Wetherby |
| | West Yorkshire, England |
| | Current |
Delivering social value in construction through early intervention and employability
Background
VGC worked in partnership with Balfour Beatty to deliver a community engagement and employability session at HMP Wetherby. The session focused on helping young people build communication skills and learn more about career opportunities within the construction industry.
The visit formed part of a wider programme that brings employers into custodial settings, giving young people the chance to hear directly from industry and engage with positive role models ahead of release.
Inclusive Employability Support for Young People in Custody
Young people in custody can face barriers to employment, including limited contact with employers, lower confidence, and additional learning needs.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons reports that over 30% of people in custody have learning difficulties or disabilities, including dyslexia. With this in mind, the session was planned to be accessible and inclusive for all participants.
VGC delivered a dyslexia-friendly presentation using clear language, structured visuals and practical examples. The focus was on employability, communication, and raising awareness of the range of roles available across the construction sector.
To support this, the session included an interactive teamwork exercise designed to put communication into practice.
Participants worked in pairs using LEGO® models. One person described the instructions while the other built the model without visual reference. The exercise highlighted the importance of:
- Clear communication
- Active listening
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Managing frustration and problem-solving under pressure
While challenging at times, participants stayed engaged and positive throughout, contributing openly and working together to complete the task.
Engagement Outcomes and Employability Awareness
The session saw strong participation, with young people actively taking part in discussions around work, teamwork and employability in construction.
Many asked questions about construction careers, workplace expectations and routes into employment. Bringing employers directly into the custodial setting helped:
- Build confidence in group communication
- Provide practical insight into the construction industry
- encourage discussion about future employment options
The visit also linked into the wider programme of support at HMP Wetherby. Follow-on sessions included input from Entra Training, providing health and safety training with a view to supporting participants towards CSCS qualifications ahead of release.
Connor Pearson and Rachel Hunter
Supporting Social Value Delivery for Tier 1 Construction Contractors
VGC delivers social value in construction through direct employer engagement, inclusive delivery and partnership-led programmes.
This session at HMP Wetherby shows how early engagement and practical employability support can contribute to wider social value objectives, while supporting Tier 1 contractors in meeting community engagement requirements.
Working With VGC on Social Value in Construction
VGC works with construction clients to design and deliver practical social value initiatives focused on employability, inclusion and community engagement.
Get in touch to hear more about VGC’s social impact work across the construction sector and how we can support your projects in delivering meaningful social value.
