Our approach

It has been generally considered for many years that there is a shortage of skills within the UK construction industry, due to an aging workforce and a lack of young people joining the industry. At McLaren, we are dedicated to encouraging young people to join the industry through our structured work experience programmes. Ever year we offer 150 work placements across the company.

Megan Dunnage came to us as a work experience placement in her second year of sixth form, where she was studying A-Levels in Media, English Literature, Photography and Film Studies.

Her father works for McLaren as a Project Manager, and knowing Megan was looking to pursue a career in media or graphic design, he contacted our Head of HR and asked if there were any areas within the company that she could benefit from.

Over the two week placement, she spent time with the Pre-construction Department, learning to use the Adobe Suite and designed a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. Megan said that it was great practice and she was able to dive straight into her job with an understanding of the programmes she now uses daily. The placement also helped her understand how a live construction site works, after visiting a project in West London. Megan also pointed out that she was able to learn more about a working lifestyle, getting up in the morning, travelling to work, working in an office environment and being a part of a team.

Megan has now worked in McLaren for two years and she enjoys being part of a dynamic team and a company that values the professional growth of its employees.

With the support of the Senior Management, she is in control of her career path and has enrolled on a three year Graphic Design HND course, attending lessons one day a week. This will benefit her current job as she will be able to continue working in a creative role, extend her knowledge and design style and take on more responsibilities.

 

“Previously when I thought about the industry I just thought of sites, I didn’t realise what happened during pre-construction.”

Megan Dunnage, Assistant Proposal Coordinator

McLaren Group work experience programmes