Homebuilder pledge to help Corby apprentices with career opportunities

As part of a national pledge, a Northamptonshire housing has unveiled a new action plan to increase access to career opportunities in the housebuilding sector for people in Corby.

The Social Mobility Pledge, co-founded by former Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening, hopes to ensure more people are able to progress in careers, unhindered by their lack of old-school networks, lack of connections or background.

As a signatory to the Pledge, Barratt Homes’ parent company - Barratt Developments PLC - is one of a group of UK businesses and universities aiming to set a new and higher standard on boosting social mobility in Britain.

Andrew Swindell, Regional Managing Director at Barratt Homes Northampton, said: “We want to build without barriers and are committed to ensuring everyone reaches their potential.

"We are proud to have more than double the national average of women in construction. But we know we can do more. This report reaffirms our commitment and sets out the ways that we can go further in the years ahead.

"As the country’s leading housebuilder and a major employer we have an important role to play as the country looks to recover beyond the coronavirus pandemic.”

The Social Mobility Pledge was co-founded by Ms Greening in 2018, after she left the Government, alongside UK financial services entrepreneur David Harrison.

Social Mobility research carried out in 323 local authorities identified Corby as an area where the Pledge could really make a difference to young people’s lives.

It asks businesses and universities to commit to levelling up Britain by partnering with local schools, offering apprenticeships and using open and fair recruitment practices.

The house builder launched the Barratt Developments’ Opportunity Action Plan to showcase with Barratt Homes apprentices showing off their skills.

Joshua Jiffur, Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice with Barratt Homes Northampton, said: “Barratt are a great employer. They’re consistent and supportive. I spend a lot of time working with a subcontractor and I value the experience I am getting from my apprenticeship.

“I spent over four years looking for an apprenticeship and as soon as I saw Barratt’s career pathways I was excited to apply. I really enjoy my role, there’s a lot of variety to the work and it offers great long term prospects.

“I understand social mobility as an individual’s ability to access different parts of life, and how this can increase or decrease during a person’s career. It was encouraging to learn more about the future of apprenticeships and other programmes supporting young people and career changers."

Ms Greening said: “Achieving true social mobility in Britain and levelling up our country is a huge challenge but one that businesses and universities are rising to. They have a crucial role to play and can be an incredible force for good in spreading opportunities more evenly across communities and to people that have missed out for far too long.

“The Covid-19 crisis has also reset the relationship between businesses and their customers, who expect them to be much more active on social purpose. I am delighted that Barratt Developments is at the forefront of this environment, social and corporate governance agenda.

"Publishing this action plan today sends out a clear signal that Barratt Developments is raising the standard of corporate ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) and I look forward to working closely with them in the important months ahead for our country.”

Barratt Homes Northampton's Community Fund scheme made a donation of £1,000 to the Corby Town Table Tennis Club, and a further £1,000 to Lainy’s Rescue – an animal rescue organisation.

As part of its commitment to boosting social mobility, Barratt Developments offers a range of apprenticeships, as well as programmes for both undergraduates and graduates.

Barratt Homes currently has developments in Corby at Lyveden Fields and Lake View.

For further information about the career opportunities available with Barratt Developments click here.