A programme helping care-experienced young people develop practical skills, confidence and pathways into employment has been recognised nationally after winning the Social Value Outreach Initiative Award at the CN Workforce Awards 2026.
The award recognises the success of the Construction Cares DIY Workshop, delivered by GMI Construction in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group and Trafford Council, which has supported more than 120 young people since launching in 2024.
Young people in Trafford who have grown up in care are gaining practical skills, confidence and new ideas for their future thanks to the success of the Construction Cares programme.
The latest three-day Construction Cares course, which took place from 28-30 October at Trafford & Stockport College Group’s Stretford campus, brought together 25 young people from across the borough. They were given the opportunity to try their hand at a range of trades, including plumbing, tiling, electrics, painting and decorating, and joinery.
Run by GMI Construction in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group and Trafford Council, the programme gives attendees the chance to learn useful DIY skills, meet people working in the industry and find out more about careers in construction.
James Bruce, Senior Responsible Business Partner at GMI Construction, says,
“Winning The Outreach Initiative of the Year at the Construction News Awards is fantastic recognition of how far our DIY Workshops have come since launching in 2022. What started as an opportunity to introduce care leavers to practical construction skills has grown into a programme that creates pathways into employment, builds confidence, develops new skills and opens doors to careers in our industry.
“This award represents what great partnership looks like. The success of the programme is built on the commitment, collaboration and shared belief of our partners, colleges, community organisations and supply chain. We could not deliver this impact without them.
“It is about more than workshops. It’s about bringing the industry together, creating opportunities and making a lasting positive impact on our communities. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and excited about what comes next.”
For some, it is their first experience of a construction environment. For others, it is an opportunity to build their confidence, learn something new and discover talents they didn’t know they had.
Maya, one of the young people on the course, said,
“I’ve got a Level 2 qualification in painting and decorating and I’d really like to find a job in the industry. This course has helped me gain new skills and experience.
“We learned how to use rollers, how to sand surfaces properly and how important preparation is before you start painting.
“I think it really helps people like me who are trying to get into the industry. My goal is to become a freelance painter and decorator and eventually run my own business. Obviously, I know I’ve got to build up to that first.
“My favourite thing about the course has been learning how to use a roller properly. There’s a technique you can use to avoid leaving roller marks, and it’s been great learning those professional skills.”
Since the programme’s launch in 2024, 124 young people have taken part in Construction Cares, with each course helping participants develop practical skills they can use in everyday life while opening their eyes to future opportunities.
Stewart Quayle, Director of Curriculum for Construction and Sustainability at Trafford & Stockport College Group, said,
“GMI and Trafford & Stockport College Group’s Construction Cares social value programme has developed and grown due to its successful outcomes, re-engaging people in education using construction as its platform to springboard participants into the world of work, while increasing self-confidence and motivation to progress onto higher levels of study.
“The college group, in partnership with GMI, is opening a skills academy to support future courses and pathways into industry for those who need a little more help along the way.”
Following the success of the programme, Construction Cares will return in April 2027, giving more care-experienced young people the chance to get involved.
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