ABOUT THE CASE STUDY
A collaboration between MCS and Vinney Green Secure Childrens Home
In a new and exciting collaboration, MCS, a local building services engineering company, partnered with Vinney Green Secure Children’s Home to provide young people with valuable insights into the construction industry, aimed at enhancing their employability and prospects for the future. Through a series of initiatives and activities, both organisations are committed to equipping these individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful transition into the workforce.
- Raise aspirations among young people residing in the care and youth offending system.
- Provide valuable insights into career opportunities in the construction industry.
- Empower young individuals with the skills and confidence needed for successful employment.
- Support the attainment of CSCS cards, a crucial requirement for careers in construction.
MCS, represented by Head of Sustainability and Enterprise Advisor, Danielle Haskings, worked closely with Vinney Green’s Careers Lead, Rona Chellew, to coordinate a series of activities aimed at achieving the above objectives.
Our first activity was during National Apprenticeship Week, where local business owner Junior Saunders from Inspiring Education shared his personal journey of overcoming adversity and achieving success with his own business. Junior’s inspiring story, coupled with practical advice on mindset and belief, resonated deeply with the young individuals at Vinney Green, illustrating that a criminal record does not have to hinder one’s path to success.
Fast forward to National Careers Week, Danielle organised for Lawrence from Acorn Recruitment, a key partner in the collaboration, to spend time at Vinney Green working with the students on essential employability skills such as writing effective CVs, understanding disclosure, and unlocking transferable skills. Lawrence’s session emphasised the importance of recognising your strengths and abilities, regardless of current circumstances, instilling hope and confidence in the young individuals at Vinney Green.
One of the biggest collaborative initiatives organised was the Construction Careers Carousel also during National Careers Week. This event showcased apprenticeship opportunities, work experience, and various career paths available in the construction sector, with local and national construction companies participating.
Our biggest success in all of this was MCS supporting Vinney Green in becoming a registered CSCS card examination centre, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to obtain this valuable certification before leaving, thus enhancing their employability in the construction industry.
Outcomes
The collaboration between MCS and Vinney
Green has yielded significant outcomes:
- Increased awareness and interest among young people in pursuing careers in construction.
- Enhanced employability through the availability of CSCS cards.
- Empowerment of young individuals with the skills and confidence needed for future success.
- Positive impact on the aspirations and mindset of students, fostering hope for a brighter future.
- One young person already securing a work trial for an apprenticeship on his release.
The stories behind the numers Bristol Works team:
“ Danielle and Veda from MCS brought so much passion and enthusiasm in wanting to make a difference as part of their Social Value rolesThey worked with the West of England Careers Hub and the settings Careers Leader to truly understand the needs of their students and acted at speed on suggestions on how they could achieve impact. Even taking an ask back to thier company to fund the setting to be able to offer thier students the option to qualify for a CSCS card.”