Community pathways & social value

We invest in structured pathways that create access to skilled employment, strengthen local communities and build long-term workforce resilience. Through targeted partnerships and a defined apprenticeship route, we turn social value into measurable impact, for our people, our customers and the industry.

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Some of the most capable people never get a straightforward route into work

That is not a talent problem; it is an access problem. As a business that relies on skilled, committed people, we believe it is partly our responsibility to solve. Our approach to social value focuses on structured entry routes, long-term development and measurable impact. We invest in partnerships and training pathways that strengthen both our workforce and the communities in which we operate.

Community partnership

DIVERT London

DIVERT is a Metropolitan Police Service custody-based intervention programme, funded by the Violence Reduction Unit and operating across 12 of London’s busiest police stations. When a young person aged 18–25 is arrested, a trained DIVERT coach, independent of the police, meets with them at what the programme describes as a “teachable moment”. The coach listens, builds a clear understanding of circumstances and creates a structured plan for what comes next.

MR Scaffolding is a named employer partner. DIVERT coaches refer suitable candidates directly to us for assessment, yard-based preparation and progression into site work. The pathway is deliberate and structured: recognised certifications, practical experience and peer support from individuals who have progressed through the same route. As one person advances, space opens for the next.

Our industry faces a skills gap. At the same time, many young adults need genuine access to opportunity in a sector often overlooked. This partnership addresses both directly and without pretence.

Visit DIVERT London

Community partnership

Legacy Youth Zone, Croydon

Legacy is Croydon’s OnSide Youth Zone, a purpose-built facility supporting young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with disabilities.

For a membership of £5 per year and 50p per visit, young people gain access to a safe, well-equipped environment designed to build confidence, raise aspirations and develop practical skills.

As a locally rooted family-run business, supporting initiatives such as Legacy reflects our long-term commitment to the borough. We contribute through fundraising and local business engagement, recognising that what is being built there will benefit Croydon well beyond any single project.

Visit Legacy Youth Zone

Social value

Apprenticeship pathway

Our apprenticeship pathway is structured, measurable and aligned to recognised industry standards. Delivered in partnership with Simian Risk, the programme supports individuals from entry level through to the Part 2 Scaffolder qualification. Apprentices combine formal training with supervised site experience, developing technical competence alongside a strong safety culture.

Each apprentice is assigned a qualified Black Hat mentor, ensuring consistent on-site guidance, clear performance expectations and staged progression.

The pathway provides:

  • Industry-recognised certifications
  • Yard-based technical training
  • Supervised experience on live projects
  • Ongoing mentoring and structured assessment
  • Defined progression routes within the business

We expect high standards. In return, apprentices gain recognised qualifications, practical experience and a clear long-term career path within the company.

Social value

Measurable social value

We are Social Value certified through Constructionline and are working towards reporting under the TOMs framework. This will enable us to formally measure and publish the social value generated on a project-by-project basis.

For our customers, this provides:

  • Evidence of local employment support
  • Structured apprenticeship delivery
  • Community engagement aligned to project locations
  • Transparent reporting capability

Our aim is straightforward: to contribute to stronger communities while building a capable, resilient workforce for the future.

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