Cumberland Council’s main contractor for the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) project, Galliford Try Infrastructure, and their subcontractor Story Contracting, have recently begun a programme assisting Inspira, a leading career management organisation.
Inspira works to solve unemployment by helping individuals prepare for working life and link them to local employers, with much of their work often providing an overview of the industries present in Cumbria.
Representatives from Galliford Try Infrastructure and Story Contracting delivered talks to those participating in the programme to understand the CSLR project in more depth and hear about upcoming opportunities for employment. They then had a tour of Story Contracting’s Headquarters, workshop, and training facilities with the opportunity to ask questions.
Seven local people participated in the programme. The sessions were interactive and fun to ensure maximum interest and engagement:
- Week 1 – CV writing, budgeting, addressing barriers to employment, dress to impress workshops with Inspira.
- Week 2 - Visit to Story Contracting Headquarters in Carlisle with a tour of the offices and yard and presentations from Galliford Try and Story Contracting employees.
- Week 3 – A tour of Story Contracting’s sites to discuss day to day activities and meet team members.
- Week 4 - Mock interviews with 1:1 coaching, feedback and top-tips.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“I am really pleased to see this project come to fruition this week. The Carlisle Southern Link Road project will unlock economic inclusive growth in Carlisle through the creation of jobs and attracting businesses to invest, and this programme is one of the first steps to achieve this.
“We are grateful to Galliford Try and Story Contracting who have shared the stories and experiences of some really inspiring individuals within their businesses who have engaged and motivated people to consider future careers within the construction industry in Cumbria.”
Phil Robinson, Project Director for Galliford Try, said:
“Social value is incredibly important to the CSLR project team and Galliford Try are privileged to support Cumberland Council in ensuring that meaningful social value is delivered to the local community. Inspira are experts in what they do, and we are proud to partner with them in helping disadvantaged people find their purpose and reach their full potential.
“We are offering opportunities that will not only showcase the value of construction but set in place a legacy of upskilling local people into a career for life. We are committed to developing people personally and professionally at every stage of their career.”
Marie Whitehead, Communications and Engagement Director for Story Contracting said:
“It’s really important for infrastructure projects to employ, train and develop local people, and it’s fantastic as always to work with Inspira to provide employment opportunities to people from as diverse a background as possible. We are delighted to support Galliford Try and Cumberland Council on this initiative.”
