Perthshire based contractor, Hadden Group, are delighted to have recently delivered and completed a twelve-week employability programme – Route into: Construction. The programme was designed for young persons from the @ScottStreet initiative run by Perth and Kinross Council. The aim of @ScottStreet is to provide information and support to young people to enable them to work toward positive destinations, make informed choices and overcome barriers to their personal development. Route into: Construction was created and run by Hadden Group’s HR Manager; Amanda Cramb and PKC’s Business Support Manager, Scott Nicol working with Officers within the Council and was designed to give the young people at the @ScottStreet initiative the opportunity to pursue a career in construction regardless of their background.

Hadden Group was assisted by their supply chain and the @ScottStreet co-ordinators introduced these young people into the construction industry and what we hoped would be the beginning of their journey into full-time employment. The Route Into: Construction twelve-week programme comprised of:

• an introduction into construction;
• health and safety awareness training;
• site visits;
• practical life skills demonstration;
• a range of employability skills;
• putting the individuals through their CSCS card
• and an externally recognised health and safety course.

Commenting James Boyle, Community Learning Assistant with PKC said: "Our partnership with Hadden has been an amazing opportunity for the @ Scott Street young people. The on-site work experience has given each young person hands on experience that has given them the confidence and self-belief that they can now get an apprenticeship. The tangible outcomes of the programme are clear as the young people have secured full-time employment and apprenticeships as a result."

In admiration of the young people and their commitment to the programme Hadden Group extended work placements to them all beyond the initial twelve-week programme to provide the participants with continued knowledge and experience of the construction industry to get work-ready.

Amanda Cramb, HR Manager commented: “I have watched them grow in confidence from their very first site visit to now having practical site-based experience and increased knowledge of the construction sector. I am in awe of the dedication, commitment and drive that each and every participant has put into the programme."

Scott Hadden, Hadden Group Chairman had this to say: “This initiative is proof that anyone from any background can pursue a career in construction if given the opportunity. I am proud that Hadden Group has been the source of that opportunity for the guys at @ScottStreet. We would like to thank our sub-contractors who helped us in facilitating this programme with special thanks to JGM who delivered a life skills workshop during one of our very first sessions."

Scott Nicol,  Business Support Manager at Perth & Kinross Council added: “The work that Amanda and her colleagues at Hadden Group have undertaken with this group of young people over the past months has been inspirational. This proves that true social value can be derived from a close working relationship between the Council and key suppliers.”

Mark Smullen, Route Into: Construction participant added: “I have really enjoyed working with Hadden Group on this programme as it has taught me so much about construction.  I would recommend the programme to others as I now have a full-time job because of it."