Getting serious about youth employment in construction

Lendlease is working with social enterprise ‘Serious About Youth’ to deliver their 'Construkt’ programme at its projects in London. Construkt invites diverse young people aged 18-25 to engage with classroom-based and practical activities over two weeks, giving them holistic insights into the industry and enhancing their workplace competencies and skills.  

So far, Lendlease has sponsored three Construkt programmes. Each cohort experienced interactive employability skills training with Lendlease staff and subcontractors, live site tours, and exposure to BIM modelling technologies. Following appropriate training, candidates were tasked with practical exercises, such as building a model of a timber structure. Lendlease also hosted a networking event at the end of each programme, giving candidates the opportunity to showcase their learnings to project staff.

Each programme has delivered positive outcomes for participants, with many securing apprenticeships, paid work experience or job opportunities with Lendlease and its supply chain. 

In total, over 60 young people have completed the Construkt programme on Lendlease projects so far. 80 per cent of these were young people from BAME backgrounds, a quarter were NEET (not in employment, education or training), and over 20 per cent were females. 

The most recent programme was delivered in October 2021 at Lendlease’s projects’ KGX1 and 8 Bishopsgate in central London. 24 young people took part and reported positive feedback: 

“This programme is really something special. I enjoyed the site visits, the presentations that we did and the Construction project. This programme has opened my eyes to the construction industry and now I will definitely consider a job in construction.” – Mohammed

With the UK construction sector facing a shortfall in young people joining the industry, programmes like Construkt are incredibly important. Mobilising young talent can help tackle the prominent skills and labour shortages that the industry is facing as a result of rising demand for construction work, alongside challenges such as Brexit, the pandemic and an ageing workforce. Construkt is addressing this by helping young people enter the industry and making it easier for companies like Lendlease and its supply chain to recruit diverse and enthusiastic young talent. 

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