Generating new jobs wherever we have a project has always been a priority. To help more people access opportunities in our industry, we developed and trialled our first IMP Work Ready scheme – a training programme aiming to support unemployed individuals through upskilling or reskilling. Developed with an external partner, our vision for this initiative was to provide practical hands-on learning coupled with employability skills. During the pilot at Mercia Park, we encountered various challenges, including that participants found it difficult to reach the site via public transport. Additionally, a trial at Peddimore was impacted by lower than anticipated recruitment levels.  

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​We are now analysing findings and feedback from employee partners to understand where we can enhance the programme to create the most valuable experience for participants. We are also looking at the potential to expand training to cover areas such as logistics and warehousing to address the growing skills gap.