29 September 2021

Go Construct speaks with Kier, one of the UK’s largest construction companies, to find out how they’re supporting Open Doors 2021.

Open Doors, taking place 4 – 9 October 2021, goes behind the site hoardings to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in construction. Construction companies, such as Kier, offer site visits across the UK as well as a range of live virtual experiences. 

If you’re thinking about a career in construction or just curious to see how the buildings and structures in your community are constructed, Open Doors has something for you.

Find out more and get involved here.

Paul Thornton, head of talent acquisition at Kier, is hosting a virtual interview skills workshop during Open Doors week, which will also see Kier hosting two online career conversations panels and opening its sites to in-person visits across the UK. Here, Paul tells us why Open Doors week is a great opportunity for job seekers, school and college students and others in the community who are curious about the construction sector.

“The construction sector is very much open for business and recruiting across a whole series of roles from site operators, to fibre optic technicians, to winter gritter drivers. Open Doors Week is a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about careers in construction and the projects in their local area. From 4-9 October, you can visit one of eight Kier sites across the country from Glasgow to Plymouth, including schools, leisure centres and even a theatre. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the projects that are shaping where you live.

“We’ll also be hosting three virtual events, designed to help people looking for a new role in a new industry and those just starting out in their careers. You can join me on 6 October for a CV and interview skills workshop, where I’ll be using my 20 years’ experience in recruitment to help you showcase your knowledge and expertise to employers, including what to talk about if you don’t have a lot of work experience.

“If you’re looking for an apprenticeship, a graduate or degree scheme or a junior role, our careers conversation on 5 October is where you’ll hear from early careers employees at Kier. If you’re further along in your career, please join us on 7 October, when you’ll hear from Kier employees who have changed industries or roles, or have returned to the industry after a career break. Both sessions will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about careers in construction and how to get into the industry.

“Why join the construction industry? According to the Government’s National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline 2021, a record £650bn will be invested into UK infrastructure over the next decade, with the report saying that “Delivering excellent infrastructure and the public services that we rely on every day is critical to our national progress, prosperity and wellbeing.”

“Kier’s purpose is to sustainably deliver infrastructure which is vital to the UK. We are a leading provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments and are committed to delivering for communities and leaving lasting legacies through our work, which currently includes over 23 highways contracts, 29 utilities contracts, 156 college and school projects and 81 health projects. Last year, we launched our sustainability framework, Building for a Sustainable World, which sets out how we need to embrace sustainability so that it becomes business as usual for us.

“The construction industry is booming and there are a huge range of careers and roles available; at Kier alone, we have over 1,000 different jobs, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in finance, design, marketing, sustainability, project management or anything in between, there’s a role to interest you.”

To book your spot on a site visit or online careers session, visit the open doors website what’s on page and search for Kier Construction. To find out more about careers at Kier, visit our website.

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