Project summary

Gement has secured funding through the England Construction Opportunities (ECO) programme, commissioned by the CITB, to deliver a comprehensive mentoring and employment support project for up to 1,500 new entrants to the construction industry.

Building on the success of the Gement Connect programme, which has supported construction workers since 2022, the project aims to improve retention, wellbeing, and long-term career progression for individuals entering employment within the sector. Operating primarily across Essex, Suffolk, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, Surrey and Kent, with delivery extending nationwide through Gement's employer and training provider networks, the project will provide tailored support to apprentices and new entrants working across a broad range of construction occupations.

The programme will engage participants through partnerships with employers, colleges, training providers, recruitment agencies, local authorities, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) The project is designed to address the factors that contribute to early attrition from the construction industry by providing structured, independent support alongside existing employer and training provision. Each participant will receive a bespoke Employment Support Plan (ESP), enabling Gement advisers to identify individual needs, barriers and development opportunities at the earliest possible stage.

Support will be delivered through a series of structured checkpoint meetings commencing at job start and continuing throughout the first 12 months of employment. These reviews will assess wellbeing, job satisfaction, workplace integration, career aspirations, training needs and any personal or professional challenges that may affect retention. Based on these discussions, participants will be able to access a range of additional support services, including career mentoring, financial literacy guidance, employment support, wellbeing signposting, upskilling opportunities and ongoing advice from dedicated advisers.