The Challenge:
The Council were committed to delivery of local economic and social benefits through the Glasdir schools project, to provide new and modern facilities for both schools. A key focus was ensuring local investment and employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed.
The response
Local Supply Chain
We engaged our established local supply-chain partners and used a Meet the Buyer event to help establish 72% of the project spend within North Wales and 17% spend to Denbighshire-based subcontractors. The project safeguarded 287 construction jobs in the region with 70% of the workforce living within <30 miles of the site ensuring local investment and sustainability for the SMEs and employees.
Employment Opportunities
Our workshop at the Job Centre provided CSCS card training/advice and mock interviews. One work placement was offered to encourage return to work and construction site experience.
14 employment opportunities were created (including recruitment of unemployed people either directly or via the supply chain), and 11 apprentices, significantly above the project’s target of 8.
Construction Curriculum Support Activities
Working closely with the Modernising Education team, CITB and local schools and colleges, we delivered a range of construction activities including site visits, interactive VR workshop with Sixth formers and our architects, health and safety presentations and a Careers Fair at the local secondary school.
A total of 15 engagements were completed exceeding the target of 5. A successful open-day for the local residents and community was held before the new schools opened.
The results
The success of the workshop at the Job Centre resulted in Alastair Paul taking up a work placement offer as a site operative. This was an un-paid, voluntary position. After a successful work placement, Alastair was offered a full-time position with us for the duration of the project.
Key Performance Statistics for the project