As part of their award-winning and industry-leading corporate sustainability programme, Reshaping Tomorrow, Wates provide training and employment opportunities for those furthest from the workplace.

Current statistics suggest there are nearly 1.5 million unemployed adults in the UK (ONS, Sept 2017). At the same time, according to the Construction Industry Training Board, by 2021 the built environment sector will need over 179,000 new employees to meet projected demand. Building Futures seeks to address both these issues by training people who may currently be marginalised from the workforce – such as the long-term unemployed, or those looking to return to work after lengthy absence – giving them an introduction to construction skills, and providing opportunities for a future career in the construction industry.

Established in 2006, Building Futures is managed in partnership with Ixion Holdings, a subsidiary of The Shaw Trust, and supported by Wates Giving.

Wates Profiles

Tom Brodie
Tom Brodie attended the Building Futures Brent programme in 2016. He had been out of work for nearly 4 years following a spinal fracture due to an accident at work. He applied for the programme to enable himself to obtain his CSCS card and get back to work in the construction sector.

He found the programme really helpful, insightful and supportive. Tom passed the course with flying colours and was such an inspiration to others that Ixion offered him a role as a technician supporting the lead tutor for future Building Futures Programmes.

In January 2017 Tom led his first programme as a lead tutor for the Wembley cohort and is now one of the lead tutors for this programme nationally. Tom’s first-hand experience allows him to relate to the learners and his passion for the sector and
training is contagious.