EQUANS, the new name for ENGIE’s service-led activities in the UK, has a commitment to helping people overcome the biggest barriers to work by supporting their pre-employment skills. A commitment has also been given to support young people to gain experience in the workplace through offering work placements.
Previously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, EQUANS has offered virtual work experience as a substitute for face-to-face activities. This has allowed a number of students from the Cheshire East area to gain an insight into the construction industry, and develop some of the key skills required to start a career. With COVID-19 restrictions now beginning to ease, face-to-face work experience has continued with 16-year-old Harvey Monks becoming the first on our Nantwich site. Harvey has come from the local care system and has a keen interest in a career in construction. He spent a full week on site, getting involved in numerous activities such as site inductions, shadowing sub-contractors and the site manager, being taught about site plans/drawings and also being given advice on how to build and alter his CV based on the experience he had gained.
Upon completing completing his week of work experience, Harvey said:
“I have enjoyed my week here, I have learnt a lot and still want to get into construction in the future. College starts in September, where I will be studying plumbing.”
EQUANS has also committed £10,000 to local groups and charities on the Nantwich scheme, with beneficiaries including ‘Dementia Friends Nantwich’, ‘Prince’s Trust Crewe’ and ‘Nantwich Senior Citizens Club’.
Work experience will continue to be offered to candidates in the local area, with EQUANS supporting people in getting on the employment ladder.
