We have partnered with UK-wide charity Career Ready to inspire more young people to consider a career in construction.
Three VGC senior managers – managing director Laurence Mckidd, group services director Ciara Pryce and HR manager Laura Perry – have volunteered to join the charity’s local advisory boards. They will partner with seven schools and one sixth form college in the London boroughs of Brent, Camden and Westminster.
In addition, two students will have the opportunity to undertake a four-week internship at VGC Group’s head office next summer.
Laurence Mckidd, managing director, believes the new partnership will complement our existing schools engagement programme, while helping to showcase the many rewarding career paths within the industry.
He said: “The construction industry is facing a skills shortage. Not enough young people are taking up careers in the sector.
“I hope that our involvement with the charity’s local advisory boards will provide an even greater opportunity to showcase the industry’s vast array of career opportunities to the next generation. And I’m sure our new partnership will prove to be a very worthwhile and fulfilling journey.”
Increasing the appeal of our industry
Recent research has highlighted that the overall appeal of the construction industry as a career option for young people is low. This is due to a perception that it is ‘male oriented, muddy and manual’ and most suited to ‘young people who do not get into college or university.’
Ciara Pryce, group services director, hopes our new partnership will help to change attitudes among the younger generation. She said: “We know that one of the best ways to communicate with young people is by engaging with school careers advisers and teachers. Our school engagement programme and partnerships with pivotal partners like Career Ready will enable us to promote the opportunities and earning potential a career in construction can provide. In addition, our internships help prepare young people for the world of work.”
VGC’s schools programme allows all partner schools to adhere to four of the eight Gatsby benchmarks – a framework used by schools to ensure appropriate careers provision is included in their curriculum.
Anne Spackman, CEO at Career Ready, adds: “Regular contact with employers can open a young person’s eyes to the range of careers available and the skills and attitude needed to get started.”