RNN Group Teams Up with Esh Construction as Employer Academy Partner
The RNN Group, made up of Rotherham College, North Notts College, Dearne Valley College and University Centre Rotherham, is proud to announce its collaboration with Esh Construction, a partnership that underlines our commitment to inspiring young individuals to explore promising careers in construction.
This strategic alliance solidifies Esh’s position as an esteemed employer academy partner within the RNN Group, where they will actively contribute to shaping a future workforce equipped with essential practical skills and experiences. Through active involvement in curriculum design and delivery, Esh plays a pivotal role in fostering a learning environment that aligns with industry needs.
Since the start of the 2023-24 academic year, Esh has collaborated with a cohort of 60 students, conducting workshops that explore opportunities within the civil engineering sector, workplace behaviours and expectations, and introducing upcoming work experience placements. A selected group then went on to have mock interviews, with eight students successfully securing a five-day placement on a live construction site in the region.
Megan Roberts, Esh’s Social Value Manager for the Yorkshire region, emphasised the company’s commitment to community engagement, particularly in areas near Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College. The partnership with the RNN Group as an employer academy allows Esh to tailor its engagement activities to the specific needs of students, providing an inclusive approach to developing the workforce of the future.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with Esh as part of our Employer Academy scheme which brings together learners, educators and employers to establish long term collaboration that will inspire our students.
“Esh will be a valuable employer academy for our construction learners at Rotherham College, supporting with and developing our learners’ skills for employment.”
Jason Austin, CEO and Principal of the RNN Group
The partnership also provided a unique opportunity for three students to support Esh at North Star Science School – an event uniting young people, educators, scientists, and businesses to explore the future of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in the South Yorkshire region. These students actively participated in delivering ‘science in construction’ workshops to over 150 young people, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
As a demonstration of sustainable practices, construction materials and products used at North Star Science School were donated to the RNN Group, which enables the Group to introduce the topic of sustainable construction methods into the curriculum.
Looking forward to 2024, Esh will begin the new year by working with another group of learners currently studying construction trades at Rotherham College. This collaboration exemplifies Rotherham College’s dedication to fostering educational partnerships that not only enrich the learning experience but also contribute to the broader community and industry.
