Kier has announced a one-year partnership with tech start-up Zero Gravity to provide mentoring, teaching and work opportunities to help young people begin a career in construction.
During the partnership Kier employees will commit to mentoring Zero Gravity students, teaching them more about roles across the construction sector and advising them on the next steps to take in their careers.
Further support will be offered through in person and virtual events to spotlight the exciting and varied opportunities available at Kier, and encouraging students to join us through work experience and emerging talent positions.
Zero Gravity works to tackle social mobility across the UK, using technology to help young people from all backgrounds reach their full potential.
In the programme’s early weeks, Kier has already engaged with 673 students active on the Zero Gravity platform, while 43 Kier employees have registered their interest in offering mentoring.
According to the Sutton Trust, the UK has one of the lowest social mobility rates in Europe, with those from working class backgrounds often facing barriers to top jobs, and earning on average over £6,000 less than their peers from wealthier families. This is both a social and an economic issue, costing the UK an estimated £19bn annually in lost potential.
The partnership was launched earlier this month with a ‘Pitch your Profession’ masterclass, with Kier colleagues from across the business sharing their insights with Zero Gravity students.
Louisa Finlay, chief people officer at Kier, said:
"At Kier we believe that a diverse workforce which reflects the communities we serve helps us to think differently, solve problems and drive innovation. We want to find ways to create opportunities for everyone, both at Kier and in the wider construction industry.
Zero Gravity does fantastic work supporting young people to achieve their ambitions and we’re proud to be working with them to show the next generation how varied and rewarding a career in construction can be."