Building Futures, Newport

In 2006 the Wates Group launched our pioneering community investment programme called Building Futures.

The Building Futures programme aims to encourage the long term unemployed to move back into the work place by developing their work related and employability skills. Each Building Futures programme is delivered in conjunction with local partners including supply chain, key customers, local authorities, employment providers, local colleges. Building Futures is a two-week accredited vocational training programme which specifically showcases the construction industry as an employment route. Practical construction training modules are underpinned with essential personal development designed to prepare participants for future employment.

Newport, South Wales
In May 2010 we delivered our 27th Building Futures programme in Newport, South Wales. The local Wates champions for this programme were Deborah Bolton (Business Development Manager) and John Tucker (Project Manager).

Programme Partners
The 2 week programme was delivered in partnership with Newport City Homes (NCH), Newport Construction Initiative (NCI), Barry College, Caerphilly Construction Initiative, Solas and Rullion Labour Agency.

NCI shortlisted 25 local people for interview and 15 were selected to attend the programme. Throughout the 2 weeks, the group attended construction trade taster sessions at Barry College and Caerphilly Construction Initiative, as well as taking part in Wates Site Visits with our teams in Newport and Swindon. This was supported by classroom learning with Wates Health and Safety trainers, and Return to Work Skills led by a local employment provider, Action 4 Employment. The programme concluded with a local community project with Solas, where the group painted and decorated a homeless lodging.

Programme Outcomes
10 people successfully completed the Building Futures programme in Newport, and were interviewed for employment Rullion Labour Agency and Ian Williams at a follow up workshop. Six out of ten have moved into employment as a direct result of the Building Futures programme-one of whom has been taken on as an apprentice with Wates.

To download the case study as a PDF click here

Categories: CR, people, national, wales

Tags: building futures