Investing in the future construction workforce: CSR and work experience placements

Morton, P; Goodwin, A; Kellond, A; Close, K and Collins, J (2011) Investing in the future construction workforce: CSR and work experience placements. International Journal of Construction Management, 11(2), pp. 49-58. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

The UK construction industry plays a large part in the UK economy and social fabric with the potential to make a significant contribution to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda. While the reasons for construction companies' participation in CSR activity may vary research suggests that it can add value to companies in financial terms as well as reputation (BITC, 2010). This article adopts a case study methodology to explore the approach taken by one major UK construction company delivering educational activities for young people who would otherwise be unlikely to choose a career in construction or in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) associated careers. The company works with a university leading a national project to enhance the careers awareness of young people to STEM and built environment careers in order to tackle a significant national skills shortage in the sector (CBI, 2009).

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction; corporate social responsibility; schools outreach; widening participation
Index terms: career, methodology, placement, science, construction company, built environment, corporate social responsibility, construction industry, case study
Subjects: health safety and environment, professional development, management, research methods, industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, specialized education, data collection methods, organization
Topics: Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Human Resources, Urban Studies, Education
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTE

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here