The construction industry can make a vital economic contribution to local communities by providing people with jobs and income.

The following are some of the activities we have developed which have delivered employment opportunities to long term unemployed people in the neighbourhoods where we are work:

The creation of full time employment through Modern Apprenticeships
Working with charitable organisations and promoting the employment of operatives under the New Deal Initiatives
Supporting and trading with local subcontractors and suppliers
Developing youth involvement and participation in the construction process
Working with housing and education forums promoting and establishing closer links with the communities

On a project in Sheffield, we worked closely with a community led organisation called SOAR (Southey and Owlerton Area Regeneration). One of their objectives was to provide support to local people actively seeking employment.  Rowlinson Constructions gave opportunities to 2 apprentice joiners put forward by SOAR and recruited many local tradesmen and subcontractors.

In some areas of high level long term unemployment we have worked closely with local residents groups to produce leaflets for them to distribute. These leaflets have provided information regarding the project, the likely duration, the number of employment opportunities that are likely to be created and how people can apply for the vacancies. Where appropriate, we conduct interviews on site to enable easy access for local people who may not have transport available.

Community Involvement

Rowlinsons have always been closely involved with the communities around our projects and have engaged with them in a number of ways.

We provide safety awareness presentations in schools located close to our sites. Younger children are given drawings depicting safety scenes to colour and these are often displayed on site.

We provide work experience placements for school children both on site and in head office

We have assisted with the school projects regarding environmental recycling.

We have organised and facilitated trips for children and local people to manufacturing plants

In one area we helped the school children through their SAT exams by providing breakfast for over 200 pupils. The teachers had explained that the children often missed breakfast and that it would probably help the school to achieve a higher pass rate, and consequently assist in keeping the school open, if the children could have a good breakfast before taking their tests

We have allowed local art students the use of site hoardings to practice their skills.

In collaboration with our supply chain, we built an extension to a local school at no cost to the school.

We have provided support for local community groups through participating in fundraising events, street parties etc.

We have contributed to community newsletters – both financially and with editorial articles.

On one project we worked with local artists and sculptors in the selection and delivery of an urban art project.

Arranged a trip on the Severn Valley Railway for the residents and staff of a scheme for those with learning disabilities

We have recently completed a supported housing scheme near Macclesfield. The scheme is the redevelopment of existing accommodation for residents with learning disability. In order to help the staff explain to the residents what is going to happen and how some of the construction activities will look and sound we undertook a number of presentations including using toy dumper trucks and other props. We organised a trip to ‘Diggerland’ for the residents to enable them to view, and in some cases try out, large pieces of construction equipment such as earth movers and JCBs.

Sponsorship

Each year the company contributes to a range of local charities and provides financial support to local events and carnivals.

Manchester City Council ‘Be Proud Awards’ – Rowlinson Constructions has been a sponsor of this event since its inauguration in 2003. The awards recognise the achievements and contribution to the community of both individuals and groups. The determinate factor is the extent to which the nominee has made a real difference to the community.

One Brick at a Time – for a number of years, the company has supported this project which is a collaboration between Liverpool Hope University and Chester & District Housing Association. The project provides training to unskilled Ugandan people to assist them in building better communities for themselves. The project helps UK personnel to develop their management skills whilst providing the training.