Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO)

Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO)

At a glance

Causes

  • Black, asian and minority ethnic groups
  • Education
  • Training / employment support
  • Young people

Other details

Organisation type: 
Social enterprise
Geographical remit: 
Local

Objectives

Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO) is a community interest company (CIC) based in South London (Croydon). Our mission is to provide disadvantaged youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the construction and engineering industries, ultimately empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for themselves.

Our primary beneficiaries are disadvantaged youth who face various challenges such as family issues, poverty, special educational needs, behavioural problems, youth offending, exclusion from school, etc. These young individuals often lack access to traditional educational pathways and struggle to find stable employment opportunities. By targeting this demographic, CEO aims to provide a lifeline for those who are most in need of support and guidance.

CEO offers alternative provision programs that focus on teaching plumbing and electrical skills to our beneficiaries. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and practical experience, we equip our participants with the technical expertise and industry knowledge needed to pursue careers in construction and engineering. Additionally, we provide holistic support services, including employability skills training, career counselling, and access to employment opportunities within the sector.

Our work at CEO is driven by the belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. By providing our beneficiaries with valuable skills training and support, we not only enhance their employability and career prospects but also foster their personal growth and resilience.

Furthermore, CEO recognizes the urgent need to address the significant skill gap in the UK construction industry. With an aging workforce and insufficient numbers of new recruits entering the industry, there is a growing concern about the future of housing and infrastructure development in the UK. Through our programs, we are contributing to closing this gap by training individuals for these much-needed roles, ensuring a sustainable future for the construction sector and our communities.

The impact of our programs extends beyond individual participants, contributing to the overall socioeconomic development of our community by reducing unemployment rates, tackling poverty, and promoting social inclusion.

Through our efforts, we aim to break down barriers to success and empower disadvantaged youth to realize their full potential, ultimately creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Activities

At CEO, we employ a multifaceted approach to achieve our objectives and fulfil our mission:

Skills Training Programs: We offer alternative provision programs that focus on teaching plumbing and electrical skills to our beneficiaries. Through hands-on training conducted by experienced professionals, participants gain practical expertise in these trades, preparing them for entry-level positions in the construction and engineering sectors.

Holistic Support Services: In addition to technical training, we provide holistic support services to address the diverse needs of our beneficiaries. This includes personalised one-to-one training, career counselling, and mentorship programs designed to enhance employability, foster resilience, and promote positive life outcomes.

Constructioneers Afternoon Club: We foster younger minds through our Constructioneers program, where children aged 10-16 are welcome to join our afternoon club. Here, they learn hands-on and social skills while having fun and staying engaged after school. The Constructioneers program provides a safe and supportive environment for youth to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors. By offering constructive activities and opportunities for personal growth, we aim to keep children away from the streets and provide them with positive alternatives for their free time.

Partnerships and Collaborations: CEO actively seeks partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand our reach and impact. By working together with stakeholders across sectors, we can leverage resources, share expertise, and create synergistic opportunities for our beneficiaries.

Employment Placement Assistance: We assist participants in securing meaningful employment opportunities within the construction industry upon completion of our programs. Through networking events, job fairs, and partnerships with employers, we strive to connect our graduates with job openings and apprenticeship opportunities, facilitating their transition into the workforce.

Continuous Improvement and Evaluation: We are committed to continuous improvement and evaluation of our programs and services to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of our beneficiaries. By soliciting feedback from participants, stakeholders, and partners, we can identify areas for enhancement and implement strategies for ongoing growth and impact.

Current opportunities

Join us in our RAISE Programme. Provide advocacy, practical support, and integration opportunities for asylum-seekers, focusing on education,...