Kier is launching a new education initiative in Wales with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), to create effective links between local schools and the Kier supply chain with the aim of inspiring the next generation of talent to consider a career within the built environment.
Called the Educational Engagement Programme, and launched at a special event on 4 June, Kier is giving schools, alternative curriculum providers and local employers from the industry the opportunity to come together to create links and external partnerships in order to better promote the diverse range of future career opportunities for young people.
Held at Technium 2, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, where Kier is currently working on the SA1 Swansea waterside development, the event is an opportunity for schools, employers and key consortium partners to learn about the purpose of the programme and how it can add value to their priorities as a school or business.
The new initiative builds on Kier’s Shaping Your World campaign which is spearheading change and addressing the skills crisis facing the industry, through challenging industry perceptions and inspiring Generation Z (11-15 year olds) to consider a career in the built environment.
Speakers at the event will include; Emma Banfield and Paul Evans from the Welsh Government initiative Inspiring Skills Wales, who will present on their partnership with Kier and how they can add value to the programme through the provision of innovative toolkits and construction-based competitions available to schools.
Jason Taylor, Kier Construction Western and Wales, operations director, said:
“This programme is absolutely pivotal for the construction industry to deliver the extensive pipeline of work in Wales. This initiative will offer a truly unique approach with the development of a construction education tool that will help breakdown perceptions and showcase the wealth of job opportunities available within the built environment. Our industry has so much to offer and I am looking forward to the roll-out and reception to this inspiring initiative.”
Partners of the new careers programme, including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Careers Wales will attend the launch of the new three-year initiative funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and managed by Kier as it aims to transform the perception of careers in the built environment, bridging the future skills gap.
Kier Construction has a substantial presence in Wales and currently employs more than 120 people at its regional hub in Cardiff. Over the past three years, Kier has delivered over £250m of projects, offering in excess of 2,000 apprentice weeks and 2,000 hours of support back to the community.
To book a space at the event on the 4 June, click here.
