Project case study - Upskilling young people
Working closely with third sector employability organisations is key to delivering on the ambitious community benefits targets that were set for the A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project.
The project worked with Barnardos to develop an existing strong relationship Balfour Beatty had with the organisation, providing several opportunities for local young people.
Barnardos Works is an organisation that supports young people to transition into the world of work, offering a range of employability services. Following initial discussions with Kerry Nicholls and Sheelagh Scott at Barnardos Works, they were able to identify two local young people they felt were strong candidates for a work placement at the A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project.
The two candidates, Patrick Stewart and David McPhee, were assisted by Barnardos Works in gaining Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards in advance of meeting the A9 project team. They were then invited to attend the site office to complete an interview with the project’s contractor, Balfour Beatty.
Following their interview, the candidates were given a tour of the site to let them appreciate the scale of the works and understand what would be expected of them. When they returned, it was agreed that both would undertake a two-week placement on site.
If the placements went well, the candidates could be taken on in full-time roles on the project.
Following a successful two-week placement, the team were delighted to offer both Patrick and David full-time roles as general operatives.
David said:
Working with Balfour Beatty has changed my life. It has helped me to support my family and look after my daughter. I have received great support and a warm welcome from the site team. Being employed by Balfour Beatty on the A9 Dualling project has given me a sense of security I didn’t have previously, and I am keen to keep doing my best and working hard.”
The benefits of working on site according to Patrick include regular income, getting into a routine, keeping fit, enjoying his days, and learning new things.
“Thank you to @balfourbeatty from @BarnardosWorks, taking the time to show our EF participants your A9 Dualling Project at Bankfoot. They are looking forward to completing work experience with the opportunities of jobs!”
Kerry Nicholls, Employer Liaison, Barnardos Works
