Willmott Dixon’s activities to help young people with neurodiversity get important work experience in the construction industry has been recognised by one of the UK’s largest providers of education and care for young people with special educational needs.

The company is one of the first to receive a Future Employers Award from Witherslack Group, which operates 35 SEN schools nationally for children and young people aged from four to 19. Presented in collaboration with the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, it recognises Willmott Dixon’s support over the past year organising site visits and workshops that offered employability skills, careers training and mentoring for 134 students.

Witherslack Group CEO Tracey Fletcher-Ray said:

“I am delighted that Wilmott Dixon’s outstanding support of our Futures programme is being recognised through our recently launched Futures Employer Award. This award honours organisations that truly lead the way in creating workplace cultures and environments that celebrate neurodiversity and accelerate young people's futures.

“Willmott Dixon is a real exemplar of this and so it is truly fitting that they are one of the first organisations in the country to receive this recognition. A huge congratulations to everyone involved, and appreciation for their ongoing support of the Futures programme.”

Members of Willmott Dixon’s Social Value team joined the company’s director in Yorkshire, Chris Yates, to pick up the award outside Top Club in Ashbrow, Kirklees. This former working men’s club has been transformed into a community hub by Willmott Dixon and local stakeholders.

Top Club will now be a base to run sessions in partnership with Witherslack Group in the future based around neurodiversity in the wider Yorkshire community.

Willmott Dixon’s Chris Yates added:

“We are committed to work with our customers to co-create social value plans that meet local needs, empowering individuals and supporting communities.

“Our work with Witherslack Group encompasses a wide range of activities, including site visits, employability workshops, career events, mentoring, and more. It’s a real honour to receive this award, which reflects the immense dedication of our social value teams to support people towards good, sustainable careers by removing barriers to employment.”

As a Future Employers Award winner, Willmott Dixon employees can now access training from the ADHD Foundation, where they can participate in awareness sessions aimed at enhancing understanding and support for neurodiverse individuals.

The project demonstrates Willmott Dixon’s commitment to ensure that alongside their customer’s buildings it leaves a lasting legacy for local people and communities. Winner of a King’s Award for Promoting Opportunity in 2023, the company delivered over 300 community programmes nationally, positively impacting 5,565 lives and creating a £577m social return on investment over the course of the year.