M&Y has welcomed six learners from The Learning Foundry for work experience placements across its Electrical, Gas and Operations teams, helping them gain first hand insight into careers in construction, repairs and maintenance.
The placements formed part of M&Y’s commitment to creating meaningful social value through skills, opportunity and community impact. Each learner spent time with experienced colleagues, gaining practical knowledge of working in real site and maintenance environments while developing confidence, communication and employability skills.
Throughout the week, learners were introduced to a range of roles and tasks, from electrical and gas work to operational support, plastering, customer interaction and repairs. The aim was to help learners understand the variety of career pathways available across the construction and maintenance sector and as a wider goal, to support construction work experience across the North West.
Feedback from the learners showed that the experience had a positive impact. When asked what they had learned about themselves, learners shared comments including:
“I’m up for anything.”
“Even though something might seem challenging, if I put my mind to it, I can get it done.”
“I can be adaptive to different situations.”
Many learners also highlighted the personal support they received from M&Y colleagues. One learner described Kenny as “an amazing teacher”, while others praised colleagues including Ant, Connor, Peter, Mark, Mia and Adam for being supportive, patient and helpful throughout the placements.
The experience helped learners develop a range of practical and transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, time management, basic electrical knowledge, gas safety awareness and plastering skills.
One of the most encouraging outcomes from the placements was the diversity of learners taking part. Of the six learners welcomed to M&Y, four were women, reflecting growing interest in careers traditionally underrepresented by women within construction.
By providing accessible work experience opportunities, M&Y is helping challenge outdated perceptions of the industry and show that careers in construction, maintenance and compliance are open to people from all backgrounds.
When asked to describe their experience with M&Y in one word, learners chose: Amazing. Exciting. Surprising. Interesting. Brilliant.
The placements support M&Y’s wider commitment to creating sustainable social value, strengthening partnerships and supporting future career pathways across the North West.
M&Y is proud to work with partners like The Learning Foundry to inspire future talent and support the next generation of electricians, gas engineers, plasterers, supervisors, surveyors and construction professionals.
Read the full case study to find out more about how M&Y is supporting future construction talent through work experience and social value partnerships.
Social value snapshot
- 6 learners welcomed from The Learning Foundry
- 4 of 6 learners were women
- Placements delivered across Electrical, Gas and Operations teams
- Learners developed confidence, communication, teamwork and practical trade knowledge
- Feedback described the experience as Amazing, Exciting, Surprising, Interesting and Brilliant
