Kent Works - Provian Construction is a Champion of Industry
Provian Construction is dedicated to encouraging and developing young people in the Construction Industry.
In addition to supporting many of our own employees to develop their skills by committing to part time studies, Provian is working in partnership with Kent County Council's Kent Works scheme as one of its Champions of Industry to give school children an early insight into the industry.
The programme helps schools make links with local industry ambassadors and provide tangible connection between the education sector and the business world.
Provian's involvement will range from one-off day visits to projects (see case studies below), mentoring from key staff, talks to groups or individuals and part time work placements and apprenticeships.
This is an excellent opportunity to make students aware of the diverse career opportunities the construction industry offers. With a growing skills shortage in the industry it is imperative other companies follow Provian's lead and demonstrate how exciting and rewarding construction can be.
Site Visit Case Studies:
Paddock Wood Primary School visit site
In 2006 we took children from Paddock Wood Primary School (3 groups of 15 children) to visit the site of Paddock Wood Health Centre (pictured below) which was under construction at the time.
The purpose of their visit was to learn about different construction materials and to see real examples of these inline with a school project they were working on.
Hayesbrook School - Bricklaying Masterclass
More recently at Hayesbrook School, where in 2007 we completed the construction of a new teaching block and autistic unit, a group of year 11 pupils were taken onto site and given a lesson in bricklaying by a qualified tradesman (pictured above left and below right).
Whilst we feel organised interaction is very beneficial to develop students understanding of what is happening in their working environment, to motivate those that may be more suited to a vocational career in the future and encourage pupils to respect and nurture their new facility once completed,
this always falls to the discretion of the School. All employees operating within the education environment are CRB checked.
Work Experience
We encourage and take on work experience placements and trainees in all fields and are encouraging our main sub-contractors to do the same. Provian Construction visit School Careers Events to present the construction industry as a career option particularly to year’s 11,12 and 13.
Our aim is to illustrate the number of opportunities available from professional consultants and contractors to specialist trades, the diversity of the construction industry and to encourage females that the construction industry is also open to them.
Apprenticeships
Provian Cobstruction are offering formal apprenticeships to work on sites across the South East. This will include block release at a specialist construction college.
See our 'Job Opportunities' page for more details.
Construction Health & Safety Talks to Schools
On a number of our existing education projects we are engaging pupils through assembly talks by the Site Manager to educate them about the processes involved at key stages of the works. We also encourage a talk by Health & Safety professionals Construction Safety or our internal S.H.E department to ensure the children understand the importance of H&S to make sure they remain safe whilst their new facilities are under construction.
