Member Article

Carillion guarantees construction apprenticeship interviews for all NCS graduates

Leading integrated support services firm and the UK’s largest private sector provider of construction apprenticeships, Carillion, has today announced it will become the first company in the UK to automatically offer construction apprenticeship interviews to graduates of National Citizen Service (NCS), the country’s flagship youth programme. The scheme has been initiated by the construction firm in recognition of the work-readiness of NCS graduates.

The announcement follows Carillion’s commitment to creating 5,000 apprenticeships over the next five years; opening up career opportunities for young people in the UK. NCS graduates interested in applying for apprenticeship roles in construction will be offered a fast-track pass through the CV stage to interview. Carillion will also be encouraging apprentices who are of the appropriate age bracket but have not yet taken part in NCS, to enrol on the programme before beginning their apprenticeship with the company.

Open to 15-17 year olds across England and Northern Ireland, NCS has been recommended by Carillion following its impact on a young person’s character development, confidence and resilience.

Taking place over two to three weeks, the programme brings teens from a range of backgrounds together where they will face outdoor challenges, learn skills for work and life, learn to be self-sufficient and make a mark on their community through a social action project that they design and deliver.

Ray Wilson, Director and General Manager, Carillion Training Services said: “We recognise that many of the young people who have been on the NCS programme are highly motivated and possess exceptional life skills. By opting to take part in the programme they have shown that they are willing to step outside of their comfort zone and as a result are a step ahead in developing key workplace skills such as problem solving, leadership and teamwork”.

He continues: “Whilst we are offering more apprenticeship roles this year, there is increasing competition and therefore young people need much more in terms of skills and experiences to stand out. We believe evidence of NCS gives applicants the edge over other candidates.”

In recognition of these impacts, Carillion’s fast-track scheme will see NCS become a key driver in helping young people distinguish themselves from the increasingly steep competition for apprenticeships. A recent study from NCS reveals one in 10 young people now plan to apply for an apprenticeship when they finish school or college.[i] The study, which looked into the pressure young people face when entering employment, also revealed employers receive an average of 93 applications for each entry level role, with employers calling for more evidence of extra-curricular activities relating to personal development on CVs.[ii]

Michael Lynas, CEO of NCS Trust, says: “We know from employers that they don’t just want academic qualifications – they want young people who are rounded, confident and resilient. Independent research shows that young people who say yes to NCS develop many of the characteristics employers are looking for – so it’s fantastic to see Carillion recognising this by offering NCS graduates a guaranteed interview. This is proof that NCS fast forwards your future – and it’s good for young people and employers alike. We hope other businesses will join Carillion in their support for NCS and its exceptional graduates.”

To register interest for the 2015 NCS programme and fast track yours or your teen’s future, visit http://www.ncsyes.co.uk/. For further information on Carillion’s apprenticeships visit http://www.carillionplc.com/construction-apprenticeships.aspx.

References

[i] NCS poll of 2,000 teenagers by OnePoll, December 2014 – 9%

[ii] NCS poll of 2,000 teenagers by OnePoll, December 2014

[iii] Ipsos MORI (2014), National Citizen Service Evaluation 2013, p. 31. This value for money analysis was conducted independently by Ipsos MORI using HM Treasury Green Book rules. Estimated benefits include the value of voluntary work on and after NCS, together with projected benefits from increased employability skills and healthier behaviours. It does not include certain benefits of the programme that cannot easily be monetised, such as the wellbeing impacts. Ipsos MORI estimate that the NCS summer 2013 programme delivered between £1.70 and £6.10 of benefits per £1 of expenditure. Future studies with the same group of young people will assess how far these benefits have been delivered in the long-term.

[iv] Ipsos MORI (2014), National Citizen Service Evaluation 2013, p. 28

[v] Ipsos MORI (2014), National Citizen Service Evaluation 2013, p. 27

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NCS .