A group of volunteers from Barratt Redrow has inspired the young people at Warrington Youth Zone to consider potential career paths in the construction industry.
Following National Careers Week (3rd to – 8th March), the volunteers led a speed-dating style workshop at the Youth Zone to give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to spend time with different departments and learn about the career opportunities in housebuilding. The volunteers included a Land Manager, Technical Engineer and Private Rented Sector Manager.
The volunteers spent time with OnSide’s senior young people, aged 12 to 19, to introduce each department, what they do and the skills required, before moving them on to the next department to repeat the process.
Following the visit, OnSide has reported that one young girl has said housebuilding is now one of her top two career choices.
Jamie Masraff, Chief Executive at OnSide, said:
During the visit to Warrington Youth Zone, David Wilson Homes’ employees were able to elaborate on the apprenticeship opportunities with the homebuilder, in addition to potential work experience in the future.
The workshop was also held at a poignant time, immediately after International Women’s Day, which gave the housebuilder a chance to speak with the young girls and discuss the business’ focus on encouraging more women into construction, their role models, and gender equality.
Claire Jarvis, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes North West, said:
“We were delighted to partner with OnSide to discuss the many career opportunities in housebuilding with the young people at Warrington Youth Zone. We hope the workshop gave those in attendance an insight into the prospects ahead of them.
“It’s especially important for women in construction to speak with girls as their role models in the hope they see the industry as one for career progression. In raising awareness of the roles available, we can shift the perception of the industry being male-dominated.“
