GRAHAM’s pioneering CRE8 pre-employment programme has reached a major milestone, generating its 100th job offer and creating new opportunities for people looking to build careers in construction.
The landmark 100th job offer has been secured by Ben Greenwood, who successfully completed the CRE8 programme at Dyecoats in Leeds. Following the programme, Ben secured employment with GRAHAM’s supply chain partner, O’Neill & Brennan, allowing him to continue his career journey on the project. Dyecoats is being delivered alongside Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group. The scheme will provide 434 new homes in its first phase, including 100 homes for social rent, 138 shared ownership homes and 196 private sale homes, as part of a wider vision for more than 1,800 homes across the site.
CRE8 forms part of the wider partnership between Clarion and GRAHAM at Dyecoats and reflects Clarion’s approach to embedding social value commitments within its contractor agreements. As delivery partner on the scheme, GRAHAM works alongside Clarion Futures and local partners to turn that commitment into training, employment and wider investment in the communities surrounding the development.
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.
Delivered in partnership with local authorities, referral organisations, training providers, recruitment specialists and supply chain partners, CRE8 is GRAHAM’s wraparound pre-employment programme designed to help local people facing barriers to employment access sustainable careers in construction.
Since its launch, CRE8 has supported more than 150 delegates, creating pathways into sustainable careers across the industry.
Ben’s Journey
Ben’s story reflects exactly what CRE8 was designed to achieve.
Referred to the programme through Clarion Futures, the social value foundation of Clarion Housing Group, Ben demonstrated a strong commitment to building a future within the construction industry.
Already employed part-time, Ben used annual leave to complete CRE8 and pursue opportunities within the sector. His determination, reliability and work ethic quickly impressed the project team during his time on site.
Following his placement at Dyecoats, Ben was offered employment with O’Neill & Brennan, enabling him to continue working on the project while taking the next step in his construction career.
Gary Kelly, Area Director – Labour & Trades at O’Neill & Brennan, said:
Ben has hit the ground running and made a fantastic impression on site. His positive attitude and commitment have earned him excellent feedback from the site team, proving that he is already making his mark. Programmes like CRE8 play an important role in bringing fresh talent into the sector, helping to bridge the skills gap while giving candidates a clear, supported pathway into employment.
A Pathway to Opportunity
The Dyecoats development provides a strong example of how collaborative social value initiatives can deliver lasting impact within local communities.
Ben’s story also highlights the wider community network that helps programmes like CRE8 succeed. His father works as a case worker for St George’s Crypt, supporting residents living in the Kirkstall Road Pods in Leeds as they work towards permanent accommodation and employment opportunities, providing a personal connection to the importance of creating pathways into work.
The organisations involved in the Dyecoats project have seen first-hand how targeted support can transform lives, with previous CRE8 delegates progressing into full-time employment, apprenticeships and permanent accommodation.
Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said:
Reaching 100 job offers through CRE8 is a fantastic milestone, and Ben’s story is a great example of what we want Dyecoats to deliver, not just new homes, but real opportunities for people in Leeds. Embedding social value into our contractor agreements means partners like GRAHAM share our commitment to the communities we build in, and it’s brilliant to see that translating into a genuine career for Ben. We look forward to seeing CRE8 continue to grow as the scheme progresses.
Delivering Lasting Impact
Reaching 100 job offers is a significant achievement for CRE8 and demonstrates what can be achieved when clients, supply chain partners, community organisations and employers work together to create meaningful opportunities.
For Ben, the milestone represents more than a number. It marks the beginning of a new career in construction.
As the programme continues to grow, stories like Ben’s demonstrate how targeted support, strong partnerships and meaningful employment opportunities can create lasting change, helping individuals build rewarding careers while strengthening local communities and supporting the future workforce of the construction industry.
Watch the video below to see CRE8, and Ben, in action.