Tool Library: Addressing Barriers to Employment

A study by The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust identified that not having the right tools was one of the ‘Barriers to Employment’.

To help address this, Higgins Construction PLC created an initiative called the ‘Tool Library’.

The Tool Library is where Higgins purchase sets of power tools which are security marked; these items are then stored in a secure area on site.

When an apprentice has the necessary administration in place and a ‘ticket’ or ‘certificate’ from their college to confirm their competency, they are allowed to make use of the Tool Library using bespoke tools for their trade.

In essence, the Higgins’ Tool Library helps apprentices to advance their experience, skills and career path without paying for expensive tools.

Instead they have a tool on loan from the Library and return it.

All tools are PAT tested and maintained by our Plant Yard Service Division.

The Tool Library concept is being rolled out on the Kings Crescent Redevelopment for our apprentices.

This has now also been extended to residents.

Steve Small, Senior Project Manager at Kings Crescent, commented:

“Through collaborative working with subcontractors, we have identified the relevant tools needed by our apprentices and purchased them. They can be borrowed as and when required to complete a task.”