Tarmac team up with Scope
Partnership set to increase careers opportunities in construction for people with disabilities
TARMAC have teamed up with Scope to promote careers in construction to people who are neurodiverse or have a visible or non-visible physical disability. The partnership – the first of its kind between the disability equality charity and a construction company – forms part of both businesses’ overarching inclusion and diversity commitments.
So far, Scope has advertised 15 opportunities for jobs at Tarmac to give more people with disabilities the chance to use their talent in the construction industry. The roles include higher apprentices in logistics and operations; graduates for IT and finance; and trainee positions as fitter, engineer, operative, and data analyst.
Tarmac have also been working with Scope’s job coaches to develop their understanding of the diverse range of roles that people can expect to be employed in at the company.
Louise Houston, head of inclusion and diversity at Tarmac, said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Scope. We are keen to attract talented people into our business and we are excited to see the benefits a diverse workforce brings.
‘We are passionate about creating opportunities for all and we are working hard to ensure our business makes the adjustments needed so we are accessible for all.’
The idea for the partnership came from James Freeman, a paralympic athlete and inclusion and diversity intern at Tarmac, who has used Scope’s services in the past. He said: ‘I had a lot of support and encouragement from Scope, and I would like to help other people who are in a similar position as I was and need a little bit of help to move forward.’
As part of Tarmac’s ongoing inclusion and diversity commitments, the company established a range of dedicated employee networks in 2021. These include mental health and well-being, parents and carers, LGBTQ+, and an ability group – with a combined membership of more than 1,000 people.
Colleagues may identify as part of the group or are able to provide support as an ally, such as offering skills, sponsorship, and amplifying challenges, or simply to learn more.
The networks aim to connect colleagues and foster social inclusion, as well as generating mentoring and coaching opportunities, offering personal and professional development, and ensuring visibility for all colleagues within Tarmac.
Guy Chaudoir, employment team manager at Scope, said: ‘We welcome this partnership with Tarmac. People who are neurodiverse or have a visible or non-visible physical disability are being recognized by society for who they are: talented individuals who can make a real difference in the workplace.
‘Tarmac’s employee communities are opening doors to wider understanding and acceptance across the company and there are many more opportunities for us to explore together in future. Advertising jobs through Scope is just the beginning.’
Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales, providing practical advice and emotional support. Scope supports disabled people into and staying in the workplace and uses its collective power to change attitudes and end injustice, while campaigning relentlessly to create a fairer society. For more information about the charity, visit www.scope.org.uk
