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Lakehouse Safety, Environment & Careers in Schools Programme

Merrill Lynch Award for Education supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families

Lakehouse works in many of the most deprived areas of the UK. By contributing to local education, the company has reduced unemployment and raised aspirations and enthusiasm in the communities in which it works.

Processes

Lakehouse’s Safety, Environment & Careers in Schools Programme was developed in 2005. The programme was designed to support the company’s aspirations for sustainable growth and expansion by providing added-value services to clients, community, staff and suppliers. Additionally, it adds value to the communities Lakehouse works within by providing a quality infrastructure, employment opportunities, education and a robust environment for today and the future.

Lakehouse works in many of the most deprived areas of the UK. By contributing to local education, the company has reduced unemployment and raised aspirations and enthusiasm in the communities in which it works.

Through relationship building with service stakeholders, including residents and schools, Lakehouse has secured new and repeat business by raising its profile and enhancing its reputation. The programme also supports Lakehouse’s business objectives to reduce accidents on site and reduce the risk of skills shortages.

The programme aims to work with at least 12 educational establishments each year and focuses in three areas - Safety, Environment and Careers. It targets primary and secondary schools, and colleges, tailoring its offering to the specific needs of each establishment. Lakehouse works closely with the Construction Industry Council and the Education Business Partnership to provide school leavers with mentoring, work experience and employment opportunities.

The programme has increased awareness about health & safety, the environment and careers in construction and Lakehouse has created opportunities for some of the most marginalised people, including excluded young people.

Impact

  • Staff satisfaction levels, measured by an annual survey, have risen by 19 per cent since 2004.
  • To date, 100 per cent of staff have found working on the project a positive experience and 86 per cent have learned a new skill.
  • Since the project started in April 2005, Lakehouse has visited 44 educational establishments and has provided work experience for 24 young people.
  • Over the past 12 months Lakehouse has seen a 23 per cent increase in new business within the education sector from 6 London boroughs.