Northern Roots – Futures in Construction

Location: Northern Roots Project, Oldham

Client Partners: Willmott Dixon, Oldham Council, Wright Landscapes

Overview

Footprint Academy partnered with Willmott Dixon and Oldham Council to deliver a two-day employability programme on the Oldham Northern Roots construction project. Supporting jobseekers, NEETs, and individuals transitioning off benefits, the course was designed to help participants take sustainable, informed steps into construction careers.

The programme offered practical industry insights, personalised career guidance, and direct engagement with professionals working on-site. With support from the site project team and supply chain partners, including Wright Landscapes, participants benefited from inspiring guest talks and now have upcoming opportunities for work trials as the next step toward employment. This initiative not only supports Willmott Dixon’s social value goals as a trusted partner but also demonstrates Footprint Academy’s mission as a Social Enterprise to reinvest in local communities and create real pathways into the construction industry.

Project Background

While the construction industry continues to offer local opportunities, individuals still face barriers such as low confidence, lack of clarity about available roles, and the transition away from benefits.

Recognising this, we developed a collaborative programme to address these barriers and create meaningful engagement with the construction sector. The Northern Roots site offered an ideal backdrop as a project grounded in community investment and environmental sustainability.

By drawing on the expertise and goodwill of our partners, we were able to provide a highly engaging and practical experience.

Objectives

To ensure the programme delivered real value and remained accessible to all participants, we designed a two-day employability course that focused on both immediate employment preparation and longer-term personal development:

• Interactive Workshops and Career Talks: Delivered by the site team and Wright Landscapes, these sessions offered practical insight into day-to-day roles within construction, helping participants better understand the breadth of career opportunities available in the industry.
• One-to-One Career Coaching: Each participant received tailored guidance through individual coaching sessions, resulting in a personalised action plan. These sessions helped clarify career goals, highlight individual strengths, and identify any barriers to employment.
• CV Development and Job Readiness: All attendees received support to create or update their CVs, alongside guidance on how to approach training and job applications. This helped reduce uncertainty about transitioning off benefits and increased confidence in engaging with employers and support services.
• CSCS and Work Placement Opportunities: Participants were supported to enrol in CSCS training and offered access to initial work placements – giving them a practical route into employment.

Feedback

    “I never thought this course was going to be like this. I thought it would be pointless, but it has proven to be life-changing.”

    “This is one of the best things I’ve done for a while!”