Balfour Beatty joins Pathways to Work to support local people into employment

Pathways to Work is opening doors to employment for Barnsley residents, with leading infrastructure group Balfour Beatty playing a key role as an employer partner. Through its A61 Old Mill Lane project, Balfour Beatty is actively supporting local people to build confidence, gain skills and access real routes into work.

Pathways to Work is an approach to tackling economic inactivity developed in Barnsley which brings together health, wellbeing, skills and employment support. It helps people who want to work but face challenges such as health conditions, low confidence or limited work experience to find opportunities that suit their needs and move closer to employment.

As part of its support, Balfour Beatty has delivered more than 50 hours of employability activity. This includes one‑to‑one mock interviews, careers sessions focused on construction, employability advice and a site visit. These sessions helped local people gain insight into the world of work and explore the range of jobs available within the construction sector.

The partnership is already having a positive impact. For one participant, the mock interview was their first ever interview. The session helped build confidence and interview skills, and they have since found employment.

Pathways to Work supports employers to connect with motivated local talent. Employers do not need to change how they recruit to get involved. Even small actions, such as offering pre-employment support, site visits or short placements, can help open doors for local people.

By working closely with employers, Pathways to Work is helping local people into jobs while also shaping future employment policy.

Matt O’Neill, Executive Director for Growth and Sustainability, said:

“Partnerships like this show why Barnsley is being recognised nationally for inclusive employment. Pathways to Work has already supported more than 1,400 local people, breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for those who need them most.

"The support provided by employers such as Balfour Beatty is invaluable. Pre‑employment activities like interview practice, careers sessions and site visits give people a realistic understanding of work and help them take meaningful steps towards employment, particularly those who are furthest from the labour market.

"We would encourage more employers to get involved. It’s a low‑risk way to connect with local talent while investing back into your community, with dedicated employment support to help new starters settle in and succeed.

"By working closely with our local employers, we’re building a place where opportunity is within everyone’s reach – and Balfour Beatty shows what’s possible when we work together.”

Helen Garvey, Social Impact Coordinator at Balfour Beatty said:

“Through our work with Pathways to Work on the A61 Old Mill Lane scheme, we’re helping people build confidence, develop skills and see first-hand the wide range of opportunities that exist within the construction and infrastructure industry.

"Every engagement can make a significant difference, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see participants take positive steps into work, showing what’s possible when employers and local programmes work together to create inclusive routes into employment.”

Employers can get involved and find out more on the employer resources and support page.

To sign up for employment support in Barnsley, visit pathways-to-work.co.uk.