At Elkins Construction, we’re proud to continue creating opportunities for young people, supporting local communities and investing in the next generation of construction professionals. This quarter has been a busy one, with work experience placements, new apprentices, educational initiatives and community partnerships helping us make a positive difference.
Work Experience
It’s been a bumper summer of work experience at Elkins, with students from local schools and youth organisations joining our teams to learn more about the construction industry.
Candela and Jeras from John Roan School joined the site team Ian Stubbs, Dennis Callan and Tyler Walters at our Greenwich Builds site The Brooks, while Killian from Leigh Stationers Academy gained experience in Quantity Surveying with Louie Panayiotou. Lewis from Cleve Park School spent time with our Stores Manager, Leigh Smith, learning about the role of stores and logistics.
We also welcomed Danny from Hurstmere School, who spent time with our Finance and Roofing teams, and Nicole from Construction Youth Trust, who gained experience alongside Project Manager, Keith Hill, at Orangery Lane. Alfie from YouthBuild explored different departments at our head office and gained practical experience with our plumbing team.
In August, Killian returned for a further two week Quantity Surveying placement after Louie was impressed with the hard work and dedication he showed during his first placement. We also welcomed mature students Luke, Abraham and Ricardo through our new partnership with Cidori, giving them an insight into site management at Orangery Lane.
We’re pleased to provide these opportunities for people at different stages of their careers to develop new skills, build confidence and discover the variety of roles available across the construction industry.
From T Levels to Apprentices
We’re delighted that three of our T-Level Design, Surveying and Planning students have chosen to continue their careers with Elkins as apprentices.
Tyler is undertaking a Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship at London South East Colleges, Jada is studying for a Level 6 Chartered Surveying (Quantity Surveyor) Apprenticeship at London South Bank University, and Madeleine has joined us to complete her Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship.
We’re proud to support the next generation of construction professionals by combining formal learning with hands-on experience, helping apprentices build the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the industry.
Educational Activities
Over the summer we continued to support initiatives that help young people prepare for employment and explore career opportunities. This included taking part in YouthBuild’s CV and Mock Interview Day, helping participants develop practical job seeking skills and confidence.
In September, our Social Value Manager, Ayesha, and Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, Jada, attended a Construction Youth Trust session for Key Stage 5 students, helping to showcase the opportunities available within the construction industry. Jada shared her career journey with the students, including her previous experience with Construction Youth Trust and her progression from completing a work placement with Elkins as part of her T-Level course to becoming an apprentice.
Community Initiatives
We’re pleased to have begun a new partnership with the Young Lewisham Project, carrying out painting and decorating work to help create a more welcoming home environment for a local young person and their family. We understand the importance of a safe and comfortable home, particularly for those facing challenging circumstances. By contributing our time and skills, we hope to make a meaningful difference and look forward to supporting YLP with further initiatives.
Sponsorships and Donations
We’re proud to support local organisations, grassroots sport and community events through a range of sponsorships and donations this summer.
Westside Royal Under-18s: We donated £1,500 to support the local youth football team, helping young people benefit from the teamwork, confidence and opportunities that grassroots sport can provide.
Phoenix Community Housing: We donated £660 towards a balloon modeller at the organisation’s summer fun events, helping bring extra enjoyment to local residents and families.
Bermondsey Carnival: We contributed £1,000 towards this year’s community event, which provides an opportunity for local people to come together and celebrate their neighbourhood.
Greenwich Homeless Project: We pledged £1,000 to Greenwich Homeless Project through its Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign. Alongside other pledgers and a £12,500 match funding offer, our contribution will help build a £25,000 fundraising pot, which will help the charity support people experiencing homelessness in and around the Royal Borough of Greenwich this Christmas.
YouthBuild: We donated £1,575 to YouthBuild to help fund Health and Safety and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training for 15 young people, with our contribution covering half of the total. By helping young people access this essential training, we’re supporting them to gain recognised qualifications and take their next steps towards a career in construction.
Looking Ahead
As we look towards the next quarter, we remain committed to creating opportunities, developing local talent and supporting the communities in which we work. We look forward to building on these partnerships and continuing to deliver meaningful social value through our projects and people.
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