Social Value Report 2021-2022

KICKSTART The government launched Kickstart in summer 2020 to give employment opportunities and experience to young people aged between 16 and 24. The initiative was coordinated by Job Centres, and all candidates were actively seeking work opportunities. The business has welcomed 26 Kickstarters since January 2021, providing them with six months’ work, mentoring and training that includes functional skills, CV workshops, and effective communication. Deborah Underwood-King, FM Conway Emerging Talent Partner, said: “We have been really impressed with the candidates, and I particularly liked that they are from a wide range of backgrounds. None of them had considered construction before, but by the end of their placement, 91% said they would consider a career in this industry. We’re really proud of the programme. The young people told us the experience made them feel valued and gave them real skills that can help them in the future.” APPRENTICESHIPS The business has always had a strong tradition of apprenticeships. The length and structure of each apprenticeship varies, but they all include mentoring, training and studying for qualifications. Apprentices are an important part of our succession planning in which FM Conway aims to reach diverse talent. Apprenticeships can last up to five years if they include a university degree, but from the minute they arrive the apprentices are full employees. We are proud of our apprentices and they are fully welcomed into their teams and the FM Conway family as soon as they join us. INSPIRE Under the Inspire programme, FM Conway sponsors students who are at university and provides them with eight weeks paid work experience during the summer holidays. At the end of their degree course each student is given an interview for a permanent job. So far, the business has welcomed civil engineering students, giving them experience in the Civil Engineering, Structures and Consultancy divisions. This year, for the first time, the Inspire programme will also be used to attract talent to Aggregates & Asphalt.

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