A LEADING construction company has signed up to a five-year partnership with a secondary school in a bid to create jobs and opportunity in Southampton.

Morgan Sindall says the public and private sector need to work together to fulfil the vision of Southampton as a city of opportunity.

The partnership with Redbridge Community School will see Morgan Sindall Construction, one of the UK’s leading building contractors, support pupils with learning, personal and academic development.

As well as creating training opportunities in its own business, Morgan Sindall will use its own supply chain and contacts in the industry to help local people get on the careers ladder.

The partnership with the mixed secondary school – administered by Southampton City Council and the Reach Cooperative Trust – focuses on helping the school deliver the City & Guilds technical award in construction and the built environment.

Students will take part in hands-on activities and get exposure and connection to the industry, along with guidance on subject choices.

Representatives of Morgan Sindall Construction, Redbridge School and the wider community gathered for an official opening.

Clifford Kinch, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “This partnership demonstrates our deep commitment built off the back of our long-standing and future workload in the city for both Southampton City Council and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, which aims to enrich local communities by offering pupils the foundations needed to progress into the world of work.

“True regeneration builds from the ground up, and in a time where skills shortages is one of the major issues in our economy, we believe this project is taking a positive step in addressing these challenges.

“We’ve worked with a steering group of 15 preferred suppliers to bring this partnership to life and we’re excited about what we can bring into it moving forward, not least by utilising our supply chain family and own business to kickstart careers and employment opportunities.”

Chris Green, head of construction at Redbridge Community School, said: “We have created a model for how business and schools can work together to support, inspire and deliver for students. Based on core values, students are shown a pathway into employment and the industry gains enthusiastic, talented and committed individuals – it is win-win.”

Year 10 student Harrison Page said: “This will be a great learning opportunity for both myself and many other students. Meeting Cliff and Owen has inspired me even more to work in the construction industry –the opportunities blew my mind. I would love an apprenticeship with Morgan Sindall Construction when I leave school.”