Stand Out, Make a Difference!

A Pioneering Community and Employee Engagement Initiative

VINCI Construction UK has launched a pioneering community and employee engagement initiative called Stand Out, Make a Difference, a long-term partnering agreement with The Construction Youth Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Prince’s Trust. The Company is the first to simultaneously partner with all three charities.

Stand Out, Make a Difference will enable the Company to engage with local communities, create chances for young people to enter the construction and facilities industry and provide staff with rewarding development opportunities.

“Construction companies play a major part in the development of local communities through investment and development in the built environment.  It is vitally important that we recognise how important our responsibilities are in carrying out this role and positively contribute by offering firm, tangible commitments such as Stand Out, Make a Difference,” explained Colin Jellicoe, HR Director at VINCI Construction UK.

Talking of the benefit to employees, Jellicoe said: “Partnering with the three charities will create unique learning and development opportunities, providing VINCI Construction UK’s people with valuable experience of leadership, team working and contributing to the community.”

As part of the initiative, VINCI Construction UK will encourage employees to work towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s Business Gold Award, the aim being to equip staff with the skills, attitude and character to realise their potential.

VINCI Construction UK’s partnership with The Construction Youth Trust will have a particular focus on promoting professional construction careers to disadvantaged young people through a programme called “Budding Brunels Plus”.

In partnership with youth charity The Prince’s Trust, VINCI Construction UK will help to fund and facilitate Get Into Construction – a short course offering intensive training and experience to help disadvantaged young people get a job in the construction industry.

Speaking of the benefits of working with VINCI Construction UK, Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “We are really proud that VINCI Construction UK has decided to support our charity and look forward to working with them and building a mutually beneficial partnership. Our work wouldn’t be possible without supporters like VINCI Construction UK which, like The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, believe in investing in young people to help them achieve their full potential.”

Christine Townley, Director of The Construction Youth Trust is excited about further cementing the partnership: “VINCI Construction UK’s Stand Out, Make a Difference initiative is a fantastic step in the right direction for the sector. The Construction Youth Trust is delighted to join with them to help young people overcome barriers, raise their aspirations and realise the vast array of opportunities available in the construction industry.”

Sarah Hertzog, Head of Fundraising - Construction and Transport for The Prince’s Trust is also full of praise for the Stand Out, Make a Difference initiative, saying: “I’d like to say a big thank you to VINCI Construction UK and your employees for all your support, helping young people to move into work, education or training. Together we can make a real difference to the lives of young people across the UK.”

Published: 29/10/2010