Kilmac Supports Next Generation Through Career Ready

At Kilmac, we're passionate about creating meaningful opportunities that help young people explore careers within the construction industry. Through our partnership with Career Ready, we recently welcomed Jamie Johnston, a student from Perth High School, for a four-week placement designed to provide valuable insight into the world of civil engineering and construction.

Career Ready is the national social mobility charity that connects employers and educators to ensure every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to kickstart a rewarding future.

Throughout the programme, Jamie was mentored by Lauren Pratt, who supported him in developing his understanding of the industry while helping him build confidence, workplace skills and an appreciation of the many career pathways available within construction.

Rather than spending his placement in one area of the business, Jamie experienced a broad cross-section of Kilmac's operations. During the four weeks, he:

• Visited live construction sites to gain first-hand experience of project delivery.
• Completed industry training courses to develop practical knowledge and awareness.
• Spent time with different departments across the business to understand how each team contributes to successful project delivery.
• Met employees from a range of disciplines, learning about the diverse careers available within the construction sector.
• Gained an understanding of health and safety, planning, engineering, operations and business support functions.

The placement provided Jamie with a well-rounded introduction to the industry, allowing him to experience both office and site environments while developing valuable employability skills that will support his future career.

Reflecting on the placement, Lauren Pratt said:

"Supporting young people through programmes like Career Ready is incredibly rewarding. It's fantastic to see their confidence grow as they experience different parts of the business and begin to understand the wide range of opportunities our industry offers. We hope Jamie leaves with new skills, greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the exciting career pathways available within construction."

At Kilmac, investing in the next generation is an important part of our commitment to creating lasting social value. By working with organisations such as Career Ready, we can help bridge the gap between education and employment, inspiring young people while developing the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future.

We would like to thank Career Ready for their continued partnership and wish Jamie every success as he continues his education and takes the next steps towards his future career.