Building Futures with The Hope Hub

As part of our Lend a Hand Week, The Mindenhurst Team had the opportunity to host a Construction Careers Day for attendees from The Hope Hub—a homeless charity based in Camberley, Surrey. This event was specifically designed to support individuals who are currently homeless or vulnerably housed and seeking new opportunities within the construction industry. 

We welcomed participants with varying levels of experience with our aim to provide them with comprehensive information on entering the construction field, including how to obtain a CSCS card, understanding essential health and safety practices, and preparing for their first day on-site. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in various activities designed to build their confidence and equip them with practical knowledge about working in construction. They had the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights directly from industry professionals. 

The session was run by Mati Hamidi, a Project Manager on the Mindenhurst Development. Mati guided attendees around our construction areas on site, providing them with first hand insight into various roles they could consider within the industry. Participants also had the opportunity to speak with our Trade Contractors about different positions on site and what each role entails.

Mati reflected on his involvement: “As someone who has spent years working in this industry, I know how important these opportunities can be. I was very happy to be able to share my experiences and help equip them with real-world knowledge that will help them start their journey in construction.” 

Niki Dufour, Community Relations Manager at Mindenhurst, arranged the session and commented that: “It was a fantastic day, and we deeply value our partnership with The Hope Hub. Construction is such a diverse industry that there really is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of your interests or experience. We are keen to share this message and encourage more people to explore the wide range of careers available in construction. By showcasing the various roles and pathways, we hope to inspire individuals from all backgrounds to consider the construction industry as a viable and rewarding career choice.” 

Clare McCord, Day Services Manager at The Hope Hub remarked on the positive impact of the day: 

“The construction day at Skanska was a great day out for our Service Users. They were made to feel very welcome and it has inspired them to look for work in the construction industry.”