Electrium are manufacturers of electrical installation equipment with offices in Wythenshawe, Manchester as well as Hindley Green and Cannock.
They have worked with Groundwork’s Sustainable Business consultants for a number of years, who have supported them improve their environmental performance and focus on sustainable growth.
In 2022/23 Electrium undertook their first Sustainable Business Member Assessment, which as well as looking at a number of environmental criteria, introduced other areas of sustainability including supporting the local community and enhancing biodiversity.
Although Electrium have been supporting community initiatives for several years, helping people from diverse backgrounds was a somewhat new opportunity to the company. Paul Wilcock, EHS Manager at Electrium, was keen to understand how the business could do more to help.
Paul met with Groundwork’s Employment team who shared insights about the various employment programmes delivered to young people not in employment, care experienced people, veterans and people who have been in prison. The team shared the fact that many of these groups were keen and eager to learn new skills and move into employment but often faced unseen challenges that were not known or understood by most employers.
Electrium were enthusiastic to help and through conversations with the Groundwork team have already committed to supporting the following employment programmes:
- Provide insight talks, sharing different perspectives on the world of work
- Host site visits to their manufacturing plant in Wythenshawe & Hindley Green
- Take part in mock interviews, helping participants practice their interview techniques
- Hosting work placements where possible
- Provide training room facilities and delivery elements of the programmes delivery, such as Health & Safety training
This support is essential to the effective and impactful delivery of Groundwork’s Employment programmes and as such, Liz, Groundwork’s Senior Green Skills Lead, commented:
“We are over the moon with the support Electrium have provided and continue to provide. Electrium colleagues have recently taken part in the mock interview process, which is extremely beneficial to the learners as they get the opportunity to learn from business professionals.
“We hope that more businesses are encouraged to join the Sustainable Business Membership scheme, recognising the potential it has to fulfil so many of the ESG considerations”
Electrium are keen to continue exploring how else they can support vulnerable people and will be working with Groundwork to explore other programmes where they could help.
