Higgins launches Skills Builder Partnership Accredited Work Placement Scheme

Posted 16/12/2022

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing training and development opportunities for young people, Higgins Partnerships has successfully launched its Work Placement Programme which has been developed in collaboration with Skills Builder Partnerships.

The programme is aimed at young people of all ages to provide them with the opportunity to gain experience working within the industry as well as developing essential skills. Following its successful roll out this summer, Skills Builder Partnerships has awarded Higgins an Impact Level 4 which is given to programmes which combine the chance for individuals to reflect on the essential skills before and after applying them, with programme content that is specifically targeted on making steps of progress.

Amy Ross, Head of Social Value at Higgins Partnerships comments, “We have had a successful partnership with Skills Builder for many years and it seemed the perfect fit to develop our work placement programme in collaboration with them. We believe it is important to work closely with young people to allow them to explore the range of career opportunities available within our industry, as well as develop the essential skills needed for the future.

“It is wonderful to see the positive feedback we have had already from those who have completed the programme over the summer and look forward to many more candidates taking part over the next year.”

Brent resident, Rehan, joined a work placement with Higgins on its Stonebridge development in 2021. Now studying Quantity Surveying at Westminster University, he was keen to take part in a second work placement this summer after seeing the advert on LinkedIn.

During his time, he had the opportunity to develop three essential skills: speaking, listening and teamwork, which are the core part of the work placement programme. He was also able to get a better understanding of the construction industry and enhance his knowledge alongside his course work.

Rehan commented, “Being able to gain experience in a construction environment that you don’t get at university has been really helpful. The team were happy to answer any questions I had.”

Ealing resident Leandra, who is originally from Portugal completed a Women into Construction Course which allowed her to gain the CCS card and build and improve her CV. She joined the work placement programme in the summer based at Hanwell Square, Boston Road and was able to gain experience in a range of work tasks such as snagging, health and safety and different processes such as how materials are brought onto site and offloaded safely. Leandra also developed key skills which has helped her improve her confidence.

Leandra comments, “It was really helpful to gain more experience on site and a good opportunity to have an idea about the different roles and departments.”

Skills Builder Partnership is a global movement of employers, educators, and impact organisations working together to ensure that one day, everyone builds the essential skills to succeed. The not-for-profit social enterprise began in 2009 with two employers and a single classroom. Today, the Skills Builder Partnership is international in its reach and supported more than 1.4 million individuals to build their essential skills in the last year alone.