03.03.2026

National Careers Week 2026: Building strong foundations for the future

Across the construction sector, there is no shortage of opportunity – but access, confidence and clear pathways into work make all the difference. National Careers Week (2–7 March) is a reminder that the right opportunity at the right time can change someone’s direction completely.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Procure Plus works with housing providers and contractors to make those pathways clearer. Beyond procurement, the focus is on ensuring that investment in housing also delivers social value, creating real employment and training opportunities in the communities where work is taking place.

Through targeted job alerts, pre-screening, work trials and close collaboration with delivery partners, Procure Plus supports residents to take practical steps into site-based roles and progress towards NVQs and industry-recognised qualifications.

Sometimes that support comes at exactly the right moment – just as it did for Kane.

Keen for a change in direction, Kane decided to pursue a career in construction after his previous role at a car washing facility came to an end. He had been out of work for six months when he learned about a vacancy with Casey Group through a Procure Plus job alert sent to the Greater Manchester Skills Academy in Collyhurst.

To help him prepare for the opportunity, Kane completed an NPORS construction course at the Skills Academy, building up his confidence and developing new technical skills – leading to Kane securing a work trial on-site.

During his work trial, Kane impressed the team with his determination, and he was offered the role of an External Wall Insulation (EWI) trainee on Manchester City Council’s Avro Hollows site through Casey Group and Hamilton Construction. More importantly – for the first time in months – he felt engaged, productive, and excited for the future.

Kane has now turned his trainee role into a full-time role, and he will soon enrol on an NVQ Level 2 in EWI to continue his progression and gain the qualifications needed to advance further in the industry, including working towards his Blue CSCS card status.

“It’s great to be working towards a new career. Since starting on site, the team have been really good with me and I’ve been trained in installing fire pins, boarding, applying mesh and using a trowel,” said Kane.

“I’m not just sat around anymore, it’s great to be working again. I now want to apply myself to learn more and get an NVQ to become fully qualified.”

Kane’s journey demonstrates Procure Plus’s partnership working in action, creating meaningful employment opportunities, helping residents gain skills, and supporting lasting careers in construction.

John Walmsley, Social Impact Executive from Casey Group, said: "This case study demonstrates how Casey works collaboratively with key partners to remove barriers to employment and turn potential into progression.

“Supporting individuals like Kane into sustainable roles is exactly how we bring our Improving Lives purpose to life in local communities".

Kate Parker, Social Value Strategy Lead at Procure Plus, added: “National Careers Week highlights the importance of connecting people to opportunities and providing tailored support, such as access to training and on-site experience – helping people take steps forward towards new careers.

“We work closely with key organisations like Casey Group to raise awareness of vacancies across the construction sector and pre-screen applicants, creating a clear and supportive route into employment.

“It’s fantastic to see Kane continuing to develop his skills and build his confidence, and we’re proud to have played a small role in his journey to a rewarding career in construction.”

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