First launched in Nottingham in November 2022, the CRE8 programme has grown from ‘strength to strength’ by creating new regional & local partnerships, and opportunities for local job seeking emerging talent.
This year, our Leeds programme and partnerships have been no exception and continued programme success by producing 3 new direct jobs and the programme’s first apprenticeship progression.
Connor Dyer, June 2025 CRE8 delegate, was employed by our supply chain partner Keith Walton Brickwork as a direct result and started his L2 Brickwork Apprenticeship in November 2025 at Leeds College of Building.
Connor, pictured with his colleagues on our Dyecoats Leeds project said, “CRE8 gave me an opportunity to gain industry knowledge and to join a group of likeminded people looking for pathways into construction and entry level jobs. Thanks to the programme I gained valuable skills, had access to real life work-based experiences and introductions to local employers. I am delighted to be the first CRE8 delegate to have progressed into an apprenticeship with my host employer”
Steven Mackinder, Head of Social Impact at GRAHAM added, “The CRE8 programme continues to evolve in a truly meaningful way by strengthening connections with local partners and opening up new pathways into the industry. Seeing participants progress into employment and further training is exactly the type of long-term impact we set out to achieve with CRE8. Congratulations Connor and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow within the industry.”
Our next Leeds programme is scheduled to complete in March 2026.