Offering the chance of a career in construction

Across the UK, Sisk are actively involved in trying to develop the employment opportunities for those who are ‘hard to reach’ - such as those who are long term unemployed - within the local communities around our projects.

The ‘hard to reach’ criteria is varied – it includes the likes of ex-offenders, carers, disabled people and many more. The objective is to give these individuals a chance at a career in construction or related roles by giving them much needed experience and support. Ultimately, a fulfilling career in construction is the aim via a move to permanent employment or for that person to be upskilled as much as possible, giving them a strong CV and all-important experience.

Although it varies, typically the courses are run by specific local providers and run over multiple weeks. If successful, the individual will receive their CSCS card and then they can commence work on site with our supply chain or Sisk, with the potential of progressing to permanent positions with sub-contractors.

Christina Nichols, Regional Social Value and Stakeholder Manager at Sisk, says: “I spend a lot of time with our subcontractors, educating them in how to support hard to reach individuals. It’s really rewarding when a particular person really seizes the opportunity and they thrive – when this happens everyone benefits and it potentially means that they could have a long and rewarding career – something that probably wouldn’t have happened without the programme”.

KPIs are normally set by the local councils, however at Sisk we always strive to go above and beyond these targets.

Two of our most active ‘hard to reach’ sites are in the Manchester area. At Weir Mill in Stockport, at the time of writing, there are 16 individuals who are part of the programme, most of which are on site. 5 have been placed with our electrical contractors on site, A&B Electrical. All of them are doing very well and are truly benefiting from the programme. Let’s see what they have to say in their own words about the experience.

Alex: “I’m from Stockport originally and I haven’t worked for a number of years. I was on the Ingeus (Stockport) Restart programme, and now I’ve just received a green card. I got a phone call and went from there – I’m now working as a labourer on site at Weir Mill with A+B. I want to stay in construction long term, I really like it. The support from Sisk has been great.

Billy: “I’m 32 and local again. I’ve had mental health issues and personal problems throughout my life. It’s a breath of fresh air to be back in work, there are a lot of positives. My problems don’t just disappear but having this role has allowed me to manage my problems better. I came through Restart; since I’ve joined Sisk / A+B I’m really appreciative of the opportunity. I’m a labourer on site and want to build up my skills to be a plumber. Sisk’s support has been amazing – there’s no pressure, I get treated with respect, and I’ve now got a green card.”

Lewis: “I’m from Oldham, I moved to Stockport 5 years ago. I’m also a labourer at Weir Mill, do deliveries etc. I really want to stay in construction for sure.”

By the project’s projected completion of 2025, around 35 people will have been through the programme on site.