Sacyr UK partners with Cardiff Council to launch new project to provide new opportunities for individuals
Sacyr UK, the contractor building the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), has partnered with Cardiff Council to launch a new project to support individuals who are looking to re-enter the workforce by providing them with pre-employment opportunities as well as practical work experience.
The partnership involved regenerating a shipping container unit, known as the Resource Hub, which was sourced from EMR Cardiff’s recycling facility specifically for the nVCC. The container is now used as a temporary storage space for a variety of recyclable materials including timber, plywood, cardboard, bricks, and PPE and is available for collection and utilisation by verified organisations, ensuring that these valuable resources are donated and put to good use.
Not only does the initiative showcase Sacyr UK’s dedication to supporting local social, voluntary and community organisations by donating 100 tonnes of material, but it was also aimed at supporting individuals and providing them with the essential skills and knowledge needed for future employment opportunities.
The initiative offered a two-week course for six candidates, sourced by Onsite Construction Academy. It focused on ensuring participants attained a CSCS qualification, followed by a week focusing on practical work experience, identifying their potential for future employment within the company. The six participants chosen – Hamza, Liam, Kailim, Sophie, Kieran, and Josh – were supported by Dom, a ganger working on the project, who used this exercise as part of his NVQ assessment into site supervision.
As part of the project, Sacyr UK collaborated with Kodie from PeoplePlus JGW+, who was the main force behind the design of the container that will be used on the nVCC site, creating a design that is not only visually impactful but also helps drive a sustainable change which aligns with Sacyr UK’s values. Harlequin Print Ltd was on hand to support with the donation of the printed design boards sourced in part from Cardiff Rugby, recycling material and promoting circular economy in every way possible.
EMR Recycling, who sourced the shipping container, said: “EMR shares Sacyr’s commitment to creating lasting positive impact in the communities in which it operates, so are delighted to support the ‘Into Work’ initiative. The donation of the shipping container gives it a new life and supports the local community with surplus materials. EMR are also working with Sacyr to recycle the end-of-life metals from the project.”
Hannah Jenkins, Workforce Development Coordinator at Sacyr UK said: “We are incredibly excited about this project. Not only are we helping LTU or NEET individuals back into work, but we are also reducing waste and supporting our local communities in a meaningful way.”
