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TECHNICAL MATTERS ISSUE 1 AUTUMN 2014

As one of the largest residential developers in the UK, at Taylor Wimpey we employ over 3,800 people and provide job opportunities for an average of 11,000 subcontractors on our sites across the country. We are a national builder but operate locally

to the areas in which we operate.

Housebuilding, and the whole construction industry in general, was badly affected during the recession. The market shrank considerably, and forced a large number of experienced workers to explore other industries. Since the start of 2013, things have certainly got better, however, the lack of investment in skills has been noticeable. This, combined with 19% of construction workers reaching retirement age within the next decade, means we as an industry have

At Taylor Wimpey, we understand the need to invest today to ensure we have the right skills in the future. We are keen to nurture

young talent and develop the next generation, through programmes like our graduate and management schemes, apprenticeships and, of course, excellent initiatives like Buckinghamshire University Technical College (Bucks UTC).

Unique concept

We receive many requests to support and sponsor educational initiatives across the country, however, when we were approached about a partnership with Bucks UTC we saw huge potential.

UTC was a new concept to us, and at the time still very new in the education sector. What particularly attracted us to Bucks UTC was its unique approach in integrating technical, practical and academic learning to create an environment where students can thrive and develop the abilities employers are looking for.

As part of our partnership with the UTC, we’ve been involved in the development of the college right from the beginning.

One of the key aspects of our partnership is our ability as an industry leader and major local employer to help the college make sure that its students are ‘work ready’ through gaining practical knowledge in the working environment.

We were involved in developing the construction course curriculum, including advising the UTC on the type

for us as a major local employer; underpinned by a planned year-long programme with the UTC to cover all

working towards.

We have also worked with the UTC teaching team to structure our employer projects so they focus on challenges that students could face in the actual working environment. For example, setting up a smaller version of a building site adjacent to one of our larger housing schemes in Aylesbury, so students can get experience as a real construction worker.

View from the boardroom:

Investing in the next

generation of homebuilders

Construction students with Pete Redfern, Chief Executive, Taylor Wimpey

Pete Redfern , CEO Taylor Wimpey

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TECHNICAL MATTERS ISSUE 1 AUTUMN 2014

Our experienced regional teams guide

the students through the whole process,

from the health and safety induction and

trades working on site, to surveying, site

demonstrating a whole spectrum of job

opportunities available in the sector.

Another popular initiative involved our

subcontractors, (who represent businesses

in trade areas including brickwork,

scaffolding, dry-lining, groundwork,

plumbing, painting and decorating),

participating in a business breakfast

with the UTC students. It was a fantastic

opportunity for the students to network and

distribute their CVs. It was great to see the

students showing their knowledge of what

they had learnt so far in construction and

make valuable contacts proactively and

without prompting.

We have also been pleased to help in

other areas such as sponsoring a mature

female student who did not qualify for

government funding to complete the

course. This enabled her to study at Level 3

and to progress to University. We have also

supplied all of the construction students

with branded safety wear to enable them

to work safely on site and be visible. In

addition, we supplied a new minibus to

help with logistics in getting construction

students to and from our sites when

completing their extended work experience

projects and for other activities such as

sports and school trips, as well as staging

and lighting for the hall which were used for

an excellent performance by the students

to celebrate the end of year.

One of the highlights for me, personally,

has been mentoring a team of construction

students. For the last few months, I

have been involved in supporting one of

the two in-house ‘companies’ that the

students have set up, sharing my business

know-how gained through the many years

in the industry. This initiative enables

the students to build their knowledge on

how a company structure works and the

different roles within a management team

as well as key principles of successful

business management. Students earn

positive and negative points for their

company according to their attendance,

performance, presentation and general

work-readiness skills.

Putting theory into practice

So, from an employer’s point of view, what

do UTCs bring to the education of young

people? At UTCs, students have received a

broad general education, complemented

by an in-depth technical knowledge in their

chosen specialism, and they understand

the relevance of one to the other.

Their good academic and practical skills

are valued equally. Even simple things like

wearing business attire when at the college

and experiencing working traditional 9-5

business hours – all help students to get

more used to and be ready for the working

world, compared to those in a typical

school environment. Through technical

skills learning, exposure to the industry

and employers from day one, UTC students

have an excellent understanding of their

specialism and the career opportunities

available, as well as what is expected of

them in the workplace as they already

have real experience of it. If they don’t want

to go straight into work after completing

their UTC course, then the technical and

them into further or higher education if

they wish.

One of the key aspects of our partnership

with Bucks UTC is helping students put

theory into practice through gaining

practical knowledge in the working

environment. To support that, we have

taken on two construction course students

on work experience placements. Originally

be ready for their proper work placements

at the end of the 2014-15 academic year;

however, the two students made such

great progress that, with the college, it was

decided that it’s the right time for them to

The placement will see the students in paid

employment for three days a week and

will be structured so that site experience

is combined with some time based in the

progress reports, build programmes,

contractor vetting, pre-start and weekly

report meetings. The students will also be

supported by an experienced mentor who

will act as a point of reference to enhance

their experience. On successful completion

of their work experience, the students will

be given an opportunity to join our Site

Management Apprenticeship Scheme at

the end of Year 13 in July 2015, subject

to achieving the necessary academic

requirements and demonstrating strong

work ethics.

Other similar opportunities for the most

ambitious college students are currently

being considered and, if successful, this

could prove to be a great model of working

in partnership with the UTC to identify and

recruit the next generation of managers.

A partnership for success

Bucks UTC is a true success story. Despite

the initial challenges in raising awareness

of this new concept of education amongst

parents and recruiting enough students

to start the courses, it’s now growing from

strength to strength, with over 170 students

currently studying at the college.

We are very proud of our partnership with

Bucks UTC as it has given us, as a company,

a fantastic opportunity to help shape the

future of the industry, making sure that we

have the right skills, expertise and drive

to meet the ever growing demand for new

homes in the future.