We're launching a ‘green skills’ virtual work experience programme

We're hosting a virtual work experience programme to teach young people about the importance of sustainability within the construction industry, and the new green skills required to improve it.

Over a week-long session, we will offer secondary-school and sixth-form college pupils aged 14-18 the opportunity to learn about the different ‘green’ jobs available in construction. Throughout the week, pupils will also be divided into groups of six and will work together to re-design Wirral Met College Campus, a project previously delivered by the business, with the challenge to make it as near to net-zero carbon as possible.

The students will be taught using Google Classroom, an online educational platform provided by Morgan Sindall Construction’s long-term partner on the project, Speakers for Schools. The dedicated organisation gives schools access to guest speakers and helps facilitate work experience opportunities for young people.

Experts from across the construction supply chain have been invited to teach the pupils about the importance of collaboration in delivering a sustainable building design including Louise Townsend, head of social value at Morgan Sindall Construction. They will deliver engaging talks to the students on their work and ‘career journey’ advice including an interview technique workshop.

While specific schools from the Thames Valley region have been invited to join the programme, it is also being run nationally to create a more diverse classroom.

At the last event, around 189 applicants applied with 92 receiving placements, with an even gender split.

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Following the first event of 2021, held in February, all of the pupils stated that they would recommend the placement to a friend, while three in four said they were now interested in a career in construction.

Helen Clements, social value manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We have been running the virtual work experience programme, in partnership with Speakers for Schools, for two years now. In that time, we have given hundreds of young people an incredible opportunity to learn more about sustainability and careers in construction. This year we have placed a real focus on green skills and the innovative new sustainable roles the sector is now employing.

“Engaging young people in construction has been a key priority for Morgan Sindall Construction. There is a real imperative to do so, as tomorrow’s school leavers and graduates will be pivotal to the sustainability agenda. As we look towards reaching a target of net zero carbon by 2030, we need to develop young people’s green and employment skills to ensure we are carrying the momentum forwards by investing in the future talent pipeline.”

Morgan Sindall Construction is dedicated towards reducing its carbon footprint. Last month, Chief Executive of Morgan Sindall Group plc, John Morgan announced ambitious plans for the company to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

After completing their work experience programme, pupils will also be invited to keep in touch with the organisers. In the last two years at Morgan Sindall Construction in the east of England, 70% of entry level roles have come from applicants who have had some form of educational involvement with the business.

Jason Elsom, Chief Executive Officer at Speakers for Schools, said: “Morgan Sindall Construction’s admirable commitment to opening the minds of young people to the role of the built environment has delivered some of the most inspirational opportunities available to young people today. As we prepared to launch our Virtual Work Experience Programme twelve months ago, Morgan Sindall Construction was the first organisation I thought would connect with the concept, and I was thrilled to hear that they were already considering how to push through the pandemic to continue to support and inspire young people across the UK. I look forward to seeing the fruit of their investment into young people during Green Skills Week.”

Sophie Skipp, Employer Engagement co-ordinator at University Technical College Norfolk, one of the colleges participating in the programme, said: “All University Technical College Norfolk students taking part in the Morgan Sindall Construction virtual work experience have fed back to school how much they enjoyed the experience and many now have ambitions to follow up with an in-person placement. Students are more confident to engage in lockdown classes and readily asking questions. I would highly recommend other schools to engage in this safeguarded and rewarding opportunity.”

The event will run from 6 to 9 April and the deadline for applications is 15 March. For those who might be unavailable for these dates, another sustainable work experience programme is also scheduled to take place in October. To apply, click here.

• For more information about this news release please contact Helena Young at Influential on 07708896211 email [email protected]