South Bristol Talent Pathway Project
South Bristol Talent Pathway Project (SBTaPP) has a mission to work hand-in-hand with local businesses to develop their workforces through training, recruitment and facilitating connections with local schools – strengthening the ‘talent pipeline’. This partnership approach sees SBTaPP going out to local small and medium-sized businesses, listening and understanding the specific needs of that business and helping that organisation access the support they need.
A great example of this engagement has been the work of SBTaPP with Bray & Slaughter (B&S) on the Workforce for the Future Programme.
B&S is a leading South Bristol contractor with over 120 years of experience within the construction industry. With SBTaPP’s support, B&S have employed two apprentices from the local area and gained access to digital marketing training.
The relationship has also allowed B&S to connect with local schools to help deliver work experience tasters. Led by Bristol WORKS, the sessions have given almost 400 young people an inspiring insight to the possibilities of careers in construction.
Developing a deep understanding of B&S has certainly helped SBTaPP address the needs of the business. A recent example of ‘getting to know you’ was a site visit by SBTaPP Project Officer Sam Porter and SBTaPP Coordinator Mairead Mcloughlin, together with West of England Combined Authority’s Head of Skills Naomi Logan. At the new site B&S are constructing multiple industrial units for local businesses, using local employees and, where possible, local materials. The site represents a model of social and environmental sustainability and will drive social value in construction.
During the visit, the SBTaPP also met the two apprentices they helped to place with B&S – Digital marketing Apprentice Zoe Koeberg and Business Admin Apprentice Bethany Wride – to talk to them about their experience of work.
