Project summary

Construction Skills People (CSP) ECO Employment Support Programme

Construction Skills People (CSP) has secured funding through the CITB England Construction Opportunities (ECO) programme to deliver a comprehensive employment support and mentoring service for 718 new entrants progressing into construction employment. With over 17 years of experience supporting individuals into sustainable careers within the construction sector, CSP has developed strong employer networks, established relationships with Jobcentre Plus, and extensive expertise in supporting individuals who face barriers to employment and retention.

CSP working with Jobcentre branches across England to identify, prepare, and place individuals into construction careers. The organisation also works closely with a wide range of charitable and specialist support organisations, including Mind and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, enabling participants to access appropriate mental health, wellbeing, and resilience-building support where required.

The programme is designed to support new entrants beyond the point of recruitment and throughout the critical early stages of employment. Once an individual starts work, CSP transitions its support offer into a structured in-work mentoring programme. This support is delivered by the same advisers who have worked with participants throughout their application, training, and job placement journey, ensuring continuity, trust, and a consistent source of guidance.

Mentoring is designed to complement the realities of working in construction and can be delivered flexibly through telephone, virtual, face-to-face, or on-site meetings. Appointments are scheduled around working hours to minimise disruption while ensuring participants receive the support they need to remain engaged and successful in their role.

The programme focuses on addressing common challenges experienced by new entrants during their first months of employment, including:

• Understanding workplace expectations and site code-of-conduct requirements.

• Adapting to construction site environments and working conditions.

• Managing relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and employers.

• Addressing domestic pressures such as childcare, travel, finances, or housing issues.

• Accessing wellbeing, mental health, and wider support services where required.

The overarching aim of the project is to improve the retention of new entrants within the construction industry by providing personalised mentoring, practical support, wellbeing interventions, and access to specialist services. By helping participants overcome personal and workplace challenges, CSP will support individuals to remain in employment, develop their skills, and build sustainable careers within the construction sector.