School-Connect: E-learning with Students

During the pandemic, this contractor had to think outside the box with regard to how they communicate with the communities surrounding their projects; in particular, how they engage with students. Typically this information would be shared through Career Fairs, College or site visits where students get to experience first-hand the working environment of a construction site.

None of these options can be guaranteed at the moment given the fluctuating nature of the coronavirus pandemic, so they have sought to reach out to students and to promote the industry in other ways.

They have teamed up with the School Connect programme, an online-based learning programme that has allowed them to communicate with students virtually. Their Training Manager has given presentations with specific insight into certain job roles, such as “Quality and Environmental Management” but has also delivered sessions on core skills such as “Communication” with advice to students on how to interact with site teams, the importance of body language and how to get the maximum output from their CV’s and interview style.

They have engaged personally with 54 students via the School Connect programme with the following feedback gained:

• 81% pursuing a career in Construction
• 88% would recommend the experience
• 700% increased confidence in obtaining work
• 38% increased confidence in public-speaking