Maxi Construction – Let’s Build Together.

It has become increasingly common for public sector construction contracts to include requirements for the provision of Community Benefits. These can range from specific targets for the creation of job opportunities or opportunities (including tender, work and training) for SMEs and supported businesses within geographical areas to support for the wider community, for example, sponsorship of local community groups or events.

One area which is attracting a lot of attention at the moment, both within Community Benefit requirements and the construction industry in general, is the promotion of careers in construction within schools and colleges. As a CITB Construction Ambassador our Construction Director, Barry Simpson, contributes to numerous events including careers presentations, mock interviews and work experience placements.

For a recent 6th year pupil placement, a 4-week bespoke training plan was formulated which included:

n introduction to commercial management and forms of contract

n introduction to site management and responsibilities

n completing site records including diaries

n accompany members of the site management team on quality and safety inspections

n Head Office visit to find out more about the roles completed by all Departments within a construction company.

Participation in the work placement helped the school pupil to make the decision to pursue a career in the construction industry.

Providing support for apprenticeships is typically another key area for community benefit requirements. In addition to employment opportunities for apprenticeships, contributions can also be made via hosting site visits/demonstrations and providing work placement opportunities. One of our recent projects enabled us to deliver a 2-month work placement for an apprentice stone mason from The Princes Trust and host a number of traditional craft apprentice visits including a hot lime mortar demonstration.

The delivery of community benefits via construction contracts provides support for local authorities’ social, economic and environmental objectives and allows us, as contractors, to give something back to the communities in which we work.

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