Working in Partnership with DIVERT and The Lewisham Construction Hub
The Lewisham Construction Hub bring together experts from the construction industry to offer advice, training and employment services. They also provide a brokerage and business-development service to help Lewisham-based businesses secure local contracts and recruit skilled workers.
Downwell are currently working on a large demolition project in Lewisham so it seemed a perfect opportunity to become involved with them. They work with an organisation called DIVERT London. DIVERT work in collaboration withe the Metropolitan Police to engage with young offenders at the point of detention. They offer them help to overcome challenges and offer them support and guidance to find suitable employment.
Working with two of their clients Joe and Thomas they had given them training to achieve CCDO card accreditation so that they could work in the Demolition Industry.
Opportunities going forward
This is where Downwell were able to step in. We were able to offer them an opportunity to work at our project in Lewisham in the first instance. Going forward if they are able to show the right aptitude we will be able to offer them a career path within the Downwell Group. This can be as a machine driver or in a supervisory role.
We interviewed them at our offices in Thurrock with Tom Rolt, Custody Intervention Coach from DIVERT. They met Managing Director Matt Phillips and Commercial Director Sarah Clark who showed them our impressive headquarters, workshop and some of the plant fleet that was in for repair. They were very enthusiastic and asked plenty of questions.
They started work bright and early on site in Lewisham on Monday 18th March and were inducted by Project Manager David Goulding and Site Supervisor Ross Evans. They are on an initial trial period of two weeks and then if successful will be employed by Downwell.
They will be carrying out labouring work initially but there are plenty of opportunities to show their worth and progress.
We wish them every success and look forward to working with them in the foreseable future.
