Supporting Unemployed and NEETs with their Career Journey

Date: 14-16th July 2025

Location: Redcar and Cleveland Employment Hub and Eston Leisure Construction Project

Overview:

In collaboration with Willmott Dixon Construction and Redcar and Cleveland Employment Hub, Footprint Academy supported Willmott Dixons Building Lives Academy at their Eston Leisure project, by delivering a three-day employability programme designed to support individuals in exploring and entering the construction industry. 

The cohort of 10 local residents (9 male and 1 female) included care leavers, NEETs, long termunemployed and those transitioning off benefits. The programme included a blend of coaching,practical insight, and industry awareness to equip participants with the motivation, confidence,and knowledge needed to take their next steps toward employment.

You can download a pdf of this case study here

Objectives:

  • Increase awareness of the range of roles in the construction industry
  • Empower participants to define and refine personal career goals
  • Identify existing strengths and barriers to employment
  • Provide clear, actionable steps toward employment or training
  • Reduce fear and uncertainty about transitioning off benefits
  • Improve confidence in engaging with agencies and employers

Key Outcomes:

Each particpant gained:

  • Understanding of different entry points into construction, including apprenticeships, direct employment, and agency work.
  • Increased confidence in navigating job search processes and speaking with recruiters.
  • Identified personal skills, strengths, and areas for development.
  • A personalised employment action plan
  • Access to ongoing support, resources, and signposting to relevant services
  • Transition into the wider Building Lives Academy programme with Willmott Dixon and Supply Chain Partners

Results 

  • TOM: NT11
  • Social Return on Investment (SROI): £12,670
  • Overall Satisfaction: 90% found the programme ‘very useful’
  • 4 particpants enrolled on to CSCS course
  • 2 participants applying for Brickwork course at Hartlepool College
  • 2 participants enrolling on to scaffolding course
  • 2 participants enrolling onto a groundworks course
  • 2 participants moving onto work experience with Willmott Dixons, Design and Engineering Consultants

“The one to one coaching session was really helpful in giving me confidence and finding trade courses available for adults”

“The course has helped me towards getting a CSCS card and signing up to a Scaffolding course”

“Its given me that extra confidence and reassurance in what I was doing”