Building Careers Provides Construction Launch Pad

Building Careers UK (BCUK) has played an instrumental role in securing work for seven promising young people who have taken their first steps in the construction industry.

Working in partnership with Grahams, BCUK, has given the opportunity to a group of Merseyside men looking for a route into the industry as part of Nobody Left Behind’s employability initiative.

After a week in site operations four of the seven candidates have been snapped up by subcontractors on Grahams’ flagship £130m Wirral Scheme, Millers Quay.

Joanne Fisher, Trades and Labour Manager at BCUK, said: “This is a fantastic result. The operatives have worked extremely hard across the week to prove to Grahams and their subcontractor workforce that they have what it takes to cut it in the industry.

“BCUK prides itself on our work within the community, and I’ve personally enjoyed helping develop this group and give them an opportunity to take the next step in their career.”

Joanne has played the role of mentor and facilitator, as well as expert recruiter, using BCUK’s partnership with Grahams to forge the opening for this cohort of local talent.

Key local companies, such as Oakleaf, FK Group and HE Engineers, have offered employment to Matthew Clarke Taylor, Tyriese Smith, Connor Cadwallader and Andrew Harrison.

BCUK has placed the remainder of the group in jobs this week, following this successful placement.

Dave O’Connell, Grahams Site Manager, said: “We have been really impressed with the enthusiasm and work ethic of the lads. This could be the stepping stone they need to really push on in the industry.

“They have been exposed to one of the busiest jobs in Merseyside. Everyone must start somewhere in the construction industry. I had a similar opportunity and have never looked back. At Grahams, we want to help people into work and through Joanne and Nobody Left Behind, we’ve been successful in doing that.”

Millers Quay (formerly known as ‘Legacy Project’ and ‘Wirral Waters One’) consists of the creation of 500 waterside Apartments within the emerging Northbank neighbourhood at Wirral Waters with an approximate value of £130m.