In a mission to bridge the construction skills gap and transform lives across Nottingham, top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, has engaged with more than 50 local young people in 2025 to date. 

 

In line with its social value commitments and community-first ethos, Keepmoat East Midlands has worked with six schools and colleges to give young people the chance to explore the vast selection of career opportunities in the sector.

 

Through early engagement work at schools, the housebuilder hopes to combat the recent figures showing that nearly two-thirds of construction companies are facing a shortage of skilled workers.

 

The national housebuilder’s East Midlands team has focused on creating valuable opportunities for young people to engage with apprenticeship opportunities and unlock graduate roles, as well as coordinating and delivering careers fairs and mock interviews to support students in the next step to employment. 

 

Talking about her work, Lainey Noakes, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, East Midlands, explains: “At Keepmoat, we’re proud to do our bit to support the young talent in Nottingham and beyond in preparing for long-term career opportunities they’re passionate about. Since January, it’s been a pleasure to work with lots of fantastic young people across the region to raise awareness of the various roles and opportunities available in our sector. 

“By collaborating with local schools and colleges, I’m able to chat directly with students to help prepare them for the world of work. These partnerships allow Keepmoat to offer tailored opportunities where students can visit live sites and gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.”

Steve Bowhay, Executive Headteacher Park Vale Academy commented: “We are very grateful for the mock interviews that the collaboration with Keepmoat has provided for our students. 

 “Lainey’s insights have been invaluable, and her mock interviews have significantly motivated our students, leaving them feeling confident as they prepare to enter the world of work.”

 

The team has also engaged with trade partners to enhance local school facilities ready for the start of the new term. 

 

At Willow Farm Primary School in Gedling, Lee O’Neill Joinery refurbished the roof of “The Barn” – an outdoor learning space, while Intu Interiors installed a new classroom floor. Keepmoat also supported the school’s garden by donating recycled wood items, including a hedgehog home, bird table and birdhouse.

Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites.

To find out more please visit: www.keepmoat.com/new-build-homes