Workplace Diversity
The Trust recognises that the sector faces huge challenges around diversity and encouraging under-represented groups into the construction sector is a key facet of our work.
Informing the debate
As well as providing programmes to encourage young people to enter the construction industry the Trust takes an active part in informing and influencing policy.
The Trust recently took part in the Formal Inquiry into Race in the Construction Industry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
CYT response to commission inquiry March 2009
Equality and Human Rights Commission Report into Race in the Construction Industry
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In 2004 the Trust partnered with ConstructionSkills. This alliance combines the Trust's aim of helping young people with a key strand of ConstructionSkills work concerning boosting the number of women and ethnic minorities employed in the sector.
As part of our alliance with ConstructionSkills we have supported them on their drive to get more women and British, Asian and Minority ethnic entrants into the industry. In 2009 ConstructionSkills asked the Trust to convene a strategic group focusing on diversity.
We want to help create a workforce that represents the make up of our society.
At a time of skills shortages the industry will be the winner if it can draw from a much wider pool of recruits. Firms also need to stay one step ahead, the procurement process is changing and more clients are now setting social targets.
Companies that can demonstrate the ability to deliver to this agenda will increase their chance of winning contracts. The housing sector in particular can gain from a diverse workforce. For instance lone parents and older people may very well prefer female maintenance workers doing repairs in their homes.
Industrial Placements: Evidence shows that women and ethnic minority graduates do not gain employment in the construction industry at the same rate as their counterparts. With this in mind we are continuously seeking to secure industrial placements/vacation employment for these two under-represented groups. These placements are designed to increase their chances of progression into the industry.
Our Trust provides a range of programmes that support young people on their journey to work. This includes general awareness, bursaries, work placements, and employer brokerage. Our work focuses on both craft and professional roles. We also have programs that are focused on the homeless and offenders with a particular emphasis on brokering employment opportunities for them.
We recognise our strength as acting as broker between communities and the industry.
Information on our projects and how they meet the diversity agenda
The role of the client: Clients can play a vital role in supporting the drive for diversity. We are working with social housing landlords to develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI'S) that support training and employment opportunities for local communities. These are imbedded into contracts to ensure training and employment opportunities are guaranteed.