James’s Employability Case Study: Working with Morgan Sindall
See how James from Hedleys College has working with Morgan Sindall on placement.
鈥淲hen I don鈥檛 want to鈥 turns into 鈥淚t鈥檚 good for you鈥
Introduction to Morgan Sindall
The company
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure are leading on the construction of six new stations along the Northumberland line.
Working together
Partnerships were built as a result of attending the Northumberland Employability Network in November 2023. This was closely followed by focused meetings planning how opportunities to build knowledge across Morgan Sindall and the 91首发 Foundation could be created
The challenges
The UK鈥檚 construction industry operates under robust health and safety legislation and this is further exacerbated by the nature of the contract to deliver a new rail line.
鈥淎ge can play a role in how likely a person is to engage in risky behaviours. While these behaviours are present throughout the lifespan, young adults are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours than older adults.鈥
The Construction Industry Council鈥檚 Blueprint for Change report sampled professional, managerial and technical roles and found that less than 5% were disabled.
The Solutions
A disability awareness lunch and learn was delivered to the Morgan Sindall team in May 2024.
Feedback
鈥淭hank you so much for a terrific session yesterday, lots of comments today from the team about what a great speaker you are鈥
鈥淩eally informative鈥
鈥淢ade me think about how I can do things differently鈥
Matching interest and skill set
Alan one of the work experience coordinators shared the job ad with James and was met with a response of 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to do it鈥. Alan suggested James go along for the interview and then complete the application form if he changed his mind.
Interview and Induction
A team from Morgan Sindall planned an interview and induction session. Focus was given to the health and safety game. This was shared with James at the session and again as an attachment to an email, therefore offering him processing time.
Interview feedback
It was wonderful to see you take such pride in folding your uniform (PPE), we wish more people were as smart and tidy as you! This will be really helpful when you are helping us to check that the Stores and mini bus are clean and tidy.
You looked very professional in your PPE, and you explained to us why wearing it is important. This showed that you really understood and will help to keep yourself and others safe during your time with us.
It was great to hear that you already work in the caf茅 at Ouseburn Farm, this shows that you already have some great organisational skills and can help us with checking we have enough tea, coffees, milk and sugar.
Learning on the job
From James:
I have lots of jobs to do. I work in the store with Andrew clearing and counting stock. I also go to different sites to take parcels.
I have done videos talking about the new platforms that are being built.
I love doing this.
Outcomes linked to targets
James was set the following targets for his first year on the college employability pathway:
Positive interaction
Health and Safety
Punctuality
Follow instruction
Quality of managing resources
The evidence from the feedback received from Morgan Sindall and his support worker clearly records achievements against all targets.
The team at Morgan Sindall have developed an in-depth understanding of working with a student with a disability and have built processes which enabled him to thrive in the workplace.
Feedback
Young person feedback:
I love my placement I鈥檓 so sad to be leaving. I鈥檓 so happy and more confident in myself.
I feel so grown up, I have more confidence and I think I can now go to work when I leave College.
Is there any chance my friends could have similar placements because it would be good for them !!!!鈥
Work experience coordinator feedback:
He was so proud of his achievements and the positive comments, it was lovely to see
Support worker feedback:
He started his placement as a boy and has left it as a Man, in a very short time he has built so much confidence and he smiles from ear to ear when talking about his work experience.
Morgan Sindall feedback:
James鈥 attitude was admirable. From our very first meeting he was polite and friendly. He showed that he was interested to learn about his role. James listened attentively to his induction and the presentations about the Northumberland Line Project. He took his job very seriously and is an example to others. James especially impressed us when we gave him his uniform (PPE) as he took great care to fold it neatly, and he wore everything correctly and with pride when he came to work each week.
The Future:
James will continue to support Morgan Sindall with the STEM offer in the community as a participant in the LEGO building sessions across the libraries in the North East over the summer of 2024. Mentoring session have also been offered to James as an opportunity for him to continue to develop work skills over his second year on the employability pathway.