We’ve started early to spread the message of future jobs in construction, with a visit to Footsteps Nursery near our Peddimore site for some hands-on digger experience.
Our contractor, Winvic Construction, and plant hire company, Flannery, put a show on in the playground to illustrate the wide range of careers available and talk about the importance of site safety.
Over the past few weeks Footsteps Nursery, which is adjacent to our Peddimore manufacturing and logistics scheme, has been watching the progress on site and invited Winvic and Flannery to meet the children.
“It really is the best part of my job,” said Emma Rhymes, Winvic’s Social Value Manager.
“These visits not only strengthen our relationship with the local community but also teaches site safety in an engaging way. We were surprised and delighted at how many inquisitive questions we received about the range of jobs in construction. I don’t think the plant drivers have ever seen so many welcoming waves and smiling faces.”
Louise Humby, Footstep’s Nursery Manager added: “All the children really enjoyed the learning opportunities provided by the team and especially loved getting into the cab of the digger to press the horn.
“We were so grateful for the goodie bags Winvic and Flannery brought with them. After the visit the children continued to extend their learning in the role play areas inside and use all the new toy diggers they’d been given.”
IM Properties is working in partnership with Winvic to deliver a wide-ranging programme of social and economic benefits to the surrounding communities including the Peddimore Community Fund to assist local grassroot organisations.
Kerry Amory, IM Properties’ Social Value Manager said: “It’s so good to see this type of community engagement and the enthusiasm from the children.
“We have a big commitment to deliver employment and skills at Peddimore and for a sector which is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, this type of experience is fantastic for sowing the seeds for a new generation of construction works.”
For further information on the Peddimore Community Fund visit: https://impeddimore.co.uk/delivering-community-benefits/peddimore-community-fund