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Department for Work and Pensions Driving employment and skills through collaboration

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We recognise the increasing difficulties job seekers face when finding work. Because of that, we have collaborated with the Department for Work and Pensions to introduce new systems of employment.

At a glance

  • We collaborate with the Department for Work and Pensions to tackle unemployment.
  • Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes have proven to be a unique and meaningful system for increasing employment for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Job seekers can earn certificates in Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSH) and manual handling during Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes.
  • Those involved are guaranteed an interview at the end of the initiative. Since October 2023, we have offered 21 job seekers permanent positions.
  • We have hosted Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes in Bradford, Northampton, and Edinburgh so far.

Key metrics

  • 21

    Sector-Based Work Academy candidates now work for Amey

  • 5

    Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes have been run so far

  • 16

    candidates from Bradford, 1 from Northampton, and 4 from Edinburgh now work for Amey

Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes offer job seekers new skills and confidence to find a position that suits them. With expertise in delivering critical facilities and asset management services, it was clear that we could play a key role in supporting this programme to increase employment.

It is paramount for organisations to support initiatives like Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes and welcome diverse candidates into their teams.

What was the challenge?

In 2013, the Department for Work and Pensions launched Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes, created to find employment for job seekers. Because of the barriers people face when looking for work, finding permanent employment can often feel impossible. For individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, these barriers may be significantly tougher. Therefore, it is paramount for organisations to support initiatives like Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes and welcome diverse candidates into their teams.

At Amey, we don’t only want to help job seekers find employment with us, but we also want them to thrive in their position and Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes are an excellent way to accommodate this attitude. During the five-day programme, candidates try a variety of roles, see where they feel most comfortable, and learn from industry leads. Since 2023, we have hosted five Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes and have offered 21 candidates permanent positions. By collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions to provide this initiative, we can challenge traditional pathways into work, create positive environments for front-line staff to thrive in their role, and celebrate employee retainment.

Image of a male candidate cleaning
When introduced to Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes, we quickly seized the opportunity to challenge traditional pathways into work.

This approach means that we are attracting the best people for the job.

How did Amey approach the problem?

When introduced to Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes, we quickly seized the opportunity to challenge traditional pathways into work. Instead of the standard application and interview process, this scheme instead allows individuals to move into employment through practical experience. We designed the programme to run over five days. The first four days allows candidates to understand the role by shadowing an employee, and the final day invites candidates to interview. This method means that individuals who struggle with formal interviews are not immediately declined a position. Whilst requiring candidates to interview is great exposure, the four days of practical work experience also play a major role in if they are offered a job.

This approach means that we are attracting the best people for the job. The five-day programme allows candidates to show their passion and commitment to the role. By leveraging on our expertise in facilities management, candidates gain a valuable insight into the industry that cannot be replicated in traditional pathways into employment.

Whilst this system is new to Amey, we are ambitious about our future in this partnership and excited to continue challenging tradition whilst positively impacting the communities we work in.

The candidates have improved their prospects, gained hands-on experience, and learned what it means to work for Amey.

What was the outcome?

After trialing Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes in Bradford and Northampton, 17 of those candidates now work for Amey. Following this fantastic recruitment and retainment success, we decided to run the same programme in Edinburgh for the first time in August 2024. This programme ended in a 100% success rate meaning that every candidate who took part in the interview at the end of the four-day work experience was offered a job. Through Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes, we have welcomed over 20 people into meaningful employment. The candidates have improved their prospects, gained hands-on experience, and learned what it means to work for Amey. It has proven to be an excellent way to attract top talent, with Account Managers across the business keen to use Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes as their main form of front-line staff recruitment in the future.

Group of a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme candidates
After trialing Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes in Bradford and Northampton, 17 of those candidates now work for Amey.

We are committed to creating positive environments for all colleagues. Coming to work should feel exciting, important, and meaningful. We create this environment for Sector-Based Work Academy Programme employees by meeting their needs and acknowledging their hard work. In return, the now employees enjoy their job, build relationships, and stay at Amey. We know this is being achieved as candidates are referring Amey to friends and family, inviting our staff to personal celebratory events, and speaking highly of the business to others.

This unique recruitment process is a niche opportunity to attract the right people for the job and we are keen to continue supporting the Department for Work and Pensions with Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes across our UK sites.

Testimonials

Sophie, Domestic Assistant, Beckfoot’s Facilities Management

“When I participated in this programme nearly a year ago, I really enjoyed the experience. I’ve worked in cleaning positions in the past, but this was unique and allowed me to see what working for Amey would feel like. I’m really proud of my work, I do my best to provide a clean and safe environment for the students. Because of the great team here, I want to do a good job. When my sister told me she was looking for a job, I got her in touch with my Operations Manager and now she also works as a domestic assistant at another contract.”

Anne-Marie, Domestic Assistant, Beckfoot’s Facilities Management

“After having my daughter and returning to work, I really wanted to explore my options. I had a great experience during the programme and I’m proud of myself for getting a certificate in COSH. It’s hard being away from my daughter but Amey have been very accommodating. I took part in the programme at Carlton Keighley, but after struggling with the commute, they moved me to Beckfoot which is just down the road from my house. This way I’m able to maximise the time I spend with her.”

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