Six companies are collaboratively working together to provide unique opportunities for young people in the North East of England…
The North East construction industry came together in June to see shining examples of brilliance through the Constructing Excellence North East Awards 2018. The Run2 Academy, a working group of key people from Northumbrian Water, Esh-MWH Joint Venture, MMB, Interserve, Turner & Townsend and Wood,were crowned winners of the People Development category.
Current Issues in the Water Industry include a skills shortage, aging workforce and a lack of trained new entrants. The Run2 Academy is creating unique and sustainable programmes that aim to promote the industry, as well as developing their workforce of the future by attracting talented students into all six businesses.
The flagship Shared Summer Placement programme allows undergraduate students to undertake a 12-week shared summer placement, where they’ll rotate around the six leading North East companies. Placements are tailored to each individual student’s needs, as well as receiving invaluable skills and experience working on real life construction projects.
Building upon the Shared Summer Placement model, the Run2 Academy will pilot their first Shared Year In Industry programme in September 2018. Other programmes focus on work experience for Year 11 students, apprenticeships and work experience for NEET groups.
Most importantly, the Run2 Academy aims to retain the talent that they’ve attracted into their organisations. Out of the seven undergraduate students employed during the Shared Summer Placement programme 2017, five out of seven students have gained further employment or engagement.
Follow @Run2Academy on Twitter to find out more about their exciting programmes and initiatives!
Supporting students at key stages of their education helps them to develop their skills and better understand the career options available to them in the utilities sector. The success of the Run2 Academy has been achieved by six companies working together collaboratively to achieve a common goal.
- Richard Woodhouse, Programme Manager at Northumbrian Water
