KAYLEIGH Merritt has an eye for talent… in fact, she wins awards for it.
The talent development manager at construction and civil engineering firm Winvic is the brains behind the Northampton firm’s award-winning Winvic Enrichment Programme, which the company runs with colleges to showcase the roles available, skill sets required and technology in use in construction, as well as guiding students in CV writing and interview skills.
She works closely with colleagues in Winvic’s social value team to identify opportunities in schools and colleges near Winvic’s projects all over the UK, presenting in the classroom and welcoming students for on-site visits.
Now her dedication has been rewarded by the construction industry. The Construction Industry Training Board has named Kayleigh the Midlands Local Hero and listed her among the top 100 influential women in construction.
She received her award at a ceremony hosted by the National Federation of Builders in Birmingham.
“I am honoured to have won the Midlands Local Hero award and I think what we have been able to achieve with the Winvic Enrichment Programme and hundreds of other educational outreach activities is very special,” Kayleigh said.
“I would like to dedicate this award to all the schools and colleges we collaborate with and the whole Winvic team because I could not do my job without their support.”
The Winvic Enrichment Programme comprises five days of on-site sessions tailored to the students’ discipline and delivered by Winvic staff and subcontractors. Feedback is excellent and the WEP is inspiring the next generation of construction professionals and helping them to make informed career choices, said Kayleigh.
The whole team is involved in presenting in schools and welcoming students to sites to learn about modern construction culture, site experiences and careers. Winvic’s focus on using the power of female role models is encouraging young women to consider a construction career and increasing female representation in the industry.
“We see Kayleigh as a hero every day so I am delighted that she has been publicly recognised for her innovative and tenacious work to engage with young people and support them on their construction career journeys,” said Winvic’s head of HR and training Rebecca Schwarz. “We are proud to always listen, learn and be flexible in our approach and this ensures students in local communities gain valuable on-site experiences.
“Congratulations, Kayleigh… this accolade is well deserved.”
Danny Clarke, the CITB’s engagement director, England, said the winners “are driving real change in the construction industry.”
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