GRAHAM’s CRE8 pre-employment programme has reached its 100th job offer, a landmark that underscores its role in opening up sustained careers in construction for local people.

The 100th offer went to Ben Greenwood, who completed CRE8 at Dyecoats in Leeds. He has since been hired by GRAHAM’s supply chain partner, O'Neill & Brennan, enabling him to continue working on the scheme. Dyecoats is being delivered with Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, and its first phase will bring forward 434 homes — 100 for social rent, 138 for shared ownership and 196 for private sale — as part of a wider vision for more than 1,800 homes across the site.

CRE8 is embedded within the wider partnership between Clarion and GRAHAM at Dyecoats, reflecting Clarion’s approach to hardwiring social value requirements into contractor agreements. As delivery partner, GRAHAM collaborates with Clarion Futures and local organisations to translate those commitments into training, employment and broader community investment.

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Steven MacKinder, Head of Social Impact at GRAHAM, said: "Reaching 100 job offers through our CRE8 programme is a proud milestone and a testament to the power of partnership. Every job offer represents a real opportunity for someone to start a career in construction. By bringing together clients, communities and supply chain partners, we’re creating pathways into employment while helping build the future workforce our industry needs. This is exactly why CRE8 was developed in the first place. With 100 job offers and counting, we’re excited to build on this success and reach even more people."

Developed with local authorities, referral organisations, training providers, recruitment specialists and supply chain partners, CRE8 is a wraparound pre-employment programme tailored to support people facing barriers into work. Since launch, it has supported more than 150 delegates and created routes into sustainable roles across the industry.

Ben's journey illustrates CRE8's purpose. Referred by Clarion Futures, he balanced a part-time job with taking annual leave to complete the programme, impressing the project team through his reliability and work ethic. On finishing his placement at Dyecoats, he was offered employment by O’Neill & Brennan to continue on the project and progress his construction career.

The Dyecoats development shows how coordinated social value initiatives can deliver long-term impact for local communities. Ben’s story also highlights the wider community network behind CRE8’s success: his father works as a case worker for St George’s Crypt, supporting residents of the Kirkstall Road Pods in Leeds towards secure housing and employment — underlining the importance of clear pathways into work.

Partners on the Dyecoats scheme report that focused support through CRE8 has helped previous participants move into full-time jobs, apprenticeships and permanent accommodation.