A four-day initiative supporting NEETS in Hillingdon through community projects, networking and industry experience.
Background
VGC collaborated with Align JV and supply chain partners to deliver a bespoke project supporting young people not currently in employment, education or training (NEETS). Working with HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) and The King’s Trust within the London Borough of Hillingdon, the initiative combined community improvements with skills development and career support.
The Challenge
Young people not in education, employment or training (NEETS) often face barriers when trying to take their first steps into the workplace. VGC, Align JV and partners wanted to create a programme that would provide practical experience, boost confidence, and open pathways into construction and infrastructure careers.
The Solution – a Four-Day Programme
About Align JV
Align JV is a joint venture of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick. With decades of combined experience delivering major infrastructure projects in the UK and globally, Align JV is a key delivery partner on HS2 and a leader in community engagement.
Day 1 & 2 – Community improvements
Each day began with a Health & Safety briefing from Align JV’s team, led by Emily Stelling. Students and volunteers worked together to:
- Plant 800 new hedgerows provided by ATM
- Paint planters made and donated by CCS Scaffolding Ltd
- Fill planters with soil donated by ATM, adding seeds and plants to brighten the student rest area
Day 3 – Networking and career support
Students presented CVs, discussed career options, and learned more about opportunities in construction and infrastructure during a networking session.
Day 4 – Industry experience and recognition
Students visited the Align JV South Portal Induction Centre to meet with Mark Clapp (HS2) and Coralie Peroux (Bouygues). They received certificates of achievement, with further support offered to help some gain their CSCS cards.
Outcomes
The programme delivered lasting value on multiple fronts:
- Community benefit – a rejuvenated student rest area at Uxbridge College.
- Skills and confidence – hands-on experience, teamwork and employability support for young people.
- Pathways to work – certificates of achievement and ongoing help to secure CSCS cards.
- Collaboration in action – supply chain partners ATM, CCS Scaffolding Ltd, HRUC and Bon Appétit all contributed resources, time and support.
Together, VGC, Align JV and partners demonstrated how the industry can create opportunities for young people while giving back to the community.
Thanks to our partners
This initiative was made possible with support from:
- ATM – providing hedgerows and soil
- CCS Scaffolding Ltd – designing and donating planters
- HRUC – hosting the initiative at Uxbridge College
- Bon Appétit – providing breakfast and lunch for students and volunteers
Get in Touch
Contact us today to hear more about the work we do and how we can partner to create opportunities.
