BDC Magazine 2016 - Keepmoat PEXHURST article in BDC September 2017 | Page 8

INTERIOR FIT OUT & REFURBISHMENT SPECIAL PEXHURST
replaced by electric vehicles and the
company currently operates two Tes-
la cars with one on order. Electric car
charging points have been installed at
head office and staff are encouraged to
share journeys to site where possible.
Pexhurst has also implemented a pro-
gramme of recycling. These initiatives
have combined to significantly reduce
its carbon emissions and environmental
impact.
In addition, “We operate an appren-
ticeship scheme, and provide a live
staff training plan for all staff to ensure
we stay abreast of all training require-
ments,” adds Nick, explaining that staff
40
talent has always been nurtured with-
in. Complementing this is a longer term
view underlined by Pexhurst’s student
shadowing programme. Now in its sixth
year, it has been a big success.
“One of the biggest challenges the
construction industry faces is attracting
new talent to the workforce. The stu-
dent shadowing programme, where we
have students from local schools spend
a week shadowing various parts of our
business, gives us a great opportunity
to showcase the construction industry,
which provides great career prospects
when compared with other industries.
“This student placement programme
BUILDING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE
is also open to the University of Hert-
fordshire, one of our clients, who we
have a partnership with, and we take on
degree or masters students for shadow-
ing programmes. Without providing stu-
dents this valuable insight, we risk los-
ing these students to other industries.”
Pexhurst celebrates its 40th anniver-
sary with a full order book and plenty
of confidence. Nick says the compa-
ny won’t change a successful method.
We’ll continue to “grow in a controlled,
sustainable and profitable manner, and
retain our best people with training, ca-
reer development and internal progres-
sion where possible.”