Member Article

Morgan Sindall lays foundations for the next generation with Redbridge Construction Academy college sponsorship

Morgan Sindall Construction continues to build on its partnership with Redbridge Community School and Construction Academy by sponsoring five of its students through their next two years of college. Morgan Sindall agreed an initial five-year partnership with Redbridge Community School in Southampton in 2021 as part of its ongoing commitment to address the construction skills shortage and the City’s Southampton Pound initiative. The agreement with Redbridge - a mixed secondary school in the west of the city and administered by Southampton City Council (SCC)– signifies Morgan Sindall Construction’s deep commitment to sustainable growth by enhancing communities where they work and creating long-term social and economic opportunities for everyone. This partnership provides a platform to encourage people from all backgrounds into a career in construction. To mark the next stage of the partnership, Morgan Sindall is sponsoring five students who have just completed their Construction and Built Environment City & Guilds Certificate. The sponsorship will see three of the five students complete a Level 3 Construction and Built Environment course at Eastleigh College, while the other two students will undergo a Level 3 qualification in carpentry at City College.
As part of the sponsorship, Morgan Sindall is providing individual mentoring, coaching and financial support for each student throughout their time at college as well as work experience and site visits leading to full-time employment with local construction companies.
To launch the next phase of this sponsorship, members of the Morgan Sindall team, along with Southampton City Council, came together for the five students to meet their new mentors at Redbridge School on Monday 16 October. Clifford Kinch, Area Director of Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “At Morgan Sindall, our work in developing the next generation of talent is every bit as important to us as the buildings we deliver so this partnership means a lot to us. It’s been a joy to watch the students at Redbridge Community School and Construction Academy develop their skills since our partnership began, and we’re delighted to have extended our relationship by sponsoring five further students. We look forward to providing support during these key early stages of their careers and will do all we can to help them reach their potential.”

Chris Green, Head of Construction/Lead Practitioner, Redbridge Community School, said: “Morgan Sindall’s investment in our community is heartfelt and of benefit to the construction industry as much as the students themselves. With skills shortages across the sector, the great news is that our schools are full of talented, committed, respectful and reliable students who are passionate about construction. The Morgan Sindall approach embodies what education is all about – crafting the best from our young and providing a pathway to exciting and rewarding careers. Morgan Sindall challenges students’ perceptions and inspires them to think and behave beyond their comfort zones. I love this – it’s where the magic happens!”

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the five students who will continue to benefit from this fantastic partnership and also to Morgan Sindall for their commitment both to improving education and this wonderful outcome that we are celebrating today. Working together with partners such as Morgan Sindall, the council puts social value at the forefront of its activities – what we call ‘Southampton Pound’ – focused on achieving economic development that benefits local people. One of our priorities is getting more jobs and training for our young people and it is inspiring to see how this approach is positively benefiting young people looking for a career in the construction industry.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Robson .