Sewell Group has pledged to triple recruitment of graduates, apprentices and trainees in the next five years.
The Hull-based firm’s estates arm is gearing up to support local economic recovery, recruiting for more than 30 roles in 2021 alone.
Nine are already in place with the construction-focused company, as it further enhances credentials that saw it recently recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity.
Managing director Jo Barnes said, given the exceptional circumstances, a response that goes above and beyond was required to support the communities the business works within.
“For decades, investing in young people and creating a talent pipeline has been a core part of our business strategy,” she said. “We strive to be a ‘home for talent’ and create empowered leaders that become economically active business ambassadors and role models in the communities we serve.
“This is of great benefit as it creates a destination for the next generation of leaders that are imperative to grow the business.”
Sewell Estates is made up of Sewell Investments, Sewell Construction, Sewell Facilities Management, Shared Agenda and West Yorkshire-based Illingworth and Gregory.
It has spent a decade in The Sunday Times Top 100 Place to Work For lists.
“Sewell has always championed social mobility and ‘grown its own’, with 75 per cent of the senior team coming from non-academic routes into employment and gaining their qualifications whilst in the workplace,” Ms Barnes said.
“We hire on attitude and culture fit, with the understanding that the skills needed can be taught on the job. Young people contribute to energy levels and creative thinking that are hugely beneficial in business.”
This belief has played a huge part in the growth of Shared Agenda, which has doubled in size in the last three years.
Employee Sophie Lee said: “After graduating I was looking for a company that would offer me an opportunity based on my enthusiasm and commitment, despite my lack of real working world experience upon finishing university.
“It has certainly lived up to my expectations. I am now a consultant after being encouraged to develop and grow, having been supported every step of the way.”
Sewell Construction has also seen a large increase in graduates, apprentices and trainees over the past few years.
Jack Henderson, assistant site manager, starts a degree in Construction Management at Sheffield Hallam University in September. He said: “It has been refreshing to be surrounded and supported by a team of like-minded individuals.
“It has always been important to me to find a company that was a good cultural fit and would invest in my career development. This couldn’t be more true here at Sewell; my progression and development are at the forefront, and the wider management team go out of their way to ensure that I am on the right track, gaining invaluable first-hand knowledge and experience.”
The directors’ pledge comes ahead of a special Humber Business Week event it is hosting, looking at purpose beyond profit.
It takes place at 9am on Tuesday, June 8. For further details click here.
