CSR Overview

Sheffield Hallam University Site Visits

Recently we held site visits for 1st year students from Sheffield Hallam at two of our Sheffield projects, Park Hill Flats and PET-MRI.

At Park Hill, Liz Maw provided a detailed insight in to the design of the iconic building and discussed any issues that the team have worked to overcome. We then invited students to take a tour of the building, where Liz highlighted what had been discussed in the presentation.

Over at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital on the PET-MRI facility, we had 1st year Construction Project Management students. Stuart Clayburn provided an insight in to the project, showing the students how the project started out, and highlighting how the project has progressed. He also provided an insight into his own journey in to the industry and how the Construction Project Management course supported him in his journey. He also gave a fantastic tour of the project for the students which got the students talking with some really interesting questions being asked.


Employer Networking session

Donna Howard, CSR Manager, was asked to take part in an employer networking session at Fir Vale School in Sheffield. This session was to educate and inform students about our business, the routes into the construction industry and highlight what type of skills employers usually look for in potential employees. The sessions were run in a group ‘speed dating’ style, giving employers the chance to move around different tables, speaking with various students throughout the activity.


Mock interview session in Bradford

We have continued our engagement with NYBEP and local schools in Bradford and we were asked to support three schools in Bradford; Ralph Thoresby, Dixons Kings and Dixons McMillan. This time the activity was mock interviews, to support the students gaining experience of what to expect in an interview situation. Over the 3 days over 400 students were involved and gained experience of having an interview with an employer.

The sessions were successful, and we received some great feedback from students and from NYBEP;

97% felt their communication skills had improved

100% felt they better understood that a positive attitude is needed to succeed

90% are more aware of their own skills and aspirations

97% are more motivated to do well in school

97% felt that their confidence and self-belief had improved

90% felt they are now more prepared for the world of work

“All of this wouldn’t have been possible without your support and we cannot thank you enough for the impact you have had with these students.” Usman Manzoor, Enterprise & Employability Co-ordinator, NYBEP


Work Experience

In November we welcomed Rose Smith to undertake some work experience. Rose is currently studying Civil Engineering at the Sheffield College, and had decided she was interested in gaining some experience in design. Donna Howard organised for Rose to shadow Ben Cook, Design Manager at our Park Hill flats project and Rhianna Greenwood, Apprentice Design Manager at our PET-MRI facility, both in Sheffield. Rose has spent a day each week on each project for the last couple of weeks, gaining an insight into both projects and which will support her with the design elements of her college course. The work experience has also given her a better understanding of design management and what it is like working on a live site.


University Careers Fair

On 13th November we attended the Placements and Employability fair at Huddersfield University. The event was aimed at art, design and architecture students and was to provide information on routes into the industry and offer work experience opportunities. The event was a success, with our stand being continuously busy throughout the day, with lots of interest around design and our structure building challenge! Thank you to Olivia, Ben, Steve and Stacey for their support on the day!

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Poem reading and show flat at Park Hill

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