Farrans Help Learners Make Virtual Step Towards Employment

Farrans Construction have delivered a successful virtual work experience programme to overcome the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on construction sector placement opportunities.

With up to 60% of employers cancelling work placements due to the pandemic and with the associated risks of having additional people on site, Farrans partnered with Coventry College to pilot a new innovative virtual work experience programme, Step Towards Employment.

The programme was developed in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks – a framework of eight guidelines for careers provision which offers online, interactive access to six modules outlining the breadth of careers available in the industry.

Learners were given the opportunity to deal with real life scenarios and complex challenges, developing a skill set which is transferrable to other sectors and ensuring Farrans leave a positive lasting legacy.

Coventry-based Farrans hope to invite participants onsite to showcase Elliott’s Yard, which is now nearing completion.

The luxury development consists of 200 apartments designed to create a community in the heart of the city centre that demands the very best in design and utilises Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and focuses on sustainability and environmentally friendly approach to zero carbon aspirations that formed an integral part of the Step Towards Employment Programme.

Sarah Fearon, Community Business Partner at Farrans Construction, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has forced every company in the world to re-evaluate how it works and unfortunately for some that has meant that work experience placements have been pushed to the side.

“We wanted to protect the positive impact that we have in the communities where we are on site and created Steps Towards Employment to continue to provide learners with an insight into the construction industry.

“We are committed to increasing the diversity of talent that is attracted to employment in this sector and the modules have been designed to be all-inclusive, providing the opportunity for everyone to interact and network with professionals in the industry.”

Industry placements give learners the opportunity to develop their practical and technical skills in a role directly relevant to their study programmes.

Sarah added: “Farrans recognises the importance of leading with integrity and we know that we are stronger when we work together and provide opportunities for the next generation.

“Our culture is one of equality and encouragement, where questions are welcomed, learning never stops and access to support and access to support is provided.”

Find more information about industry placements.