5 May 2022
We hosted our first-ever SWAP Awards Ceremony for students completing the Willmott Dixon Building Lives programme!
The Willmott Dixon Building Lives programme is a sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) that is run in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and DWP. This exciting, 5-week pre-employment programme provides students with entry-level qualifications and work experiences to undertake a career in construction.
Martine Corbett from Willmott Dixon commented:
“Whilst working with tutor Lucille you’ve learned about employability skills, completed your CSCS and Health & Safety exams, and I bet you all had an amazing time on your work placement at Willmott Dixon.”
Students completed a 3-week course at East Surrey College to learn valuable employability skills and recieved a construction lecture once a week. Students had to complete their Health and Safety tests and pass to collect their CSCS Card. Once this was achieved, they could start their work experience with Willmott Dixon or another business within the supply chain.
Simon Brown from JobCentre Plus added:
“Sometimes you need to take that step back and look at everything you’ve achieved. This is your first step on your career path, so grasp this amazing opportunity, and best of luck on your future employability.”
After the work experience at Willmott Dixon, students will have a job interview to help retain them within the industry. Towards the end of the ceremony students spoke up about their time at East Surrey College, and how at first, they felt unsure and nervous about coming back into an educational environment. However, all the support and guidance from tutor Lucille helped them find their place and gave them the confidence to complete their training.
Student Ian commented:
“This is a very professional course and without the guidance and support from Lucille, it wouldn’t have been possible. This course will help so many people with basic life skills just like it has helped me to become more confident in myself”.
Student Jordan added:
“I got to meet new people, help others with computing problems and I am now excited to learn!”
Congratulations to Ian, Jordan, Mohammed, Timothy and Ziaodin for completing the first steps in the Willmott Dixon Building Lives Programme.
Watch this space for more new and exciting initiatives we have in the pipeline!
