Cultivating Skills: The Golden Thread in a Multi-Trade Industry

Upskilling through technology

Digital technology is integral to MCP’s operations and has enabled employees to expand their skill sets further. Employees are given training on mobile devices and software that improves scheduling, stock replenishment, and communications, which ultimately leads to greater efficiency and time-saving.

Every avenue is open to learning

Being responsible for in excess of 80,000 social housing properties is challenging, especially given the shortage of skills right across the construction industry. Job satisfaction and staff retention are therefore critical in order to fulfil contracts so it’s essential that employees feel supported at every stage of their professional growth which in turn boosts morale, improves job satisfaction and reduces turnover.

MCP offers work opportunities to people from all backgrounds; from school leavers, the armed forces and people who wish to retrain. Their apprenticeship scheme has helped dozens of young people to achieve NVQ’s and some are now in managerial roles, while those with qualifications are supported through higher degrees or advanced certifications.

In 1978, when MCP’s founder Mick Clarke - then self-employed - was awarded his first 3-year contract to carry out all repairs and maintenance services for 3,500 council homes, he knew that this was a golden opportunity. He also knew right away that needed help and that it would have to meet his high standards.

For efficiency and speed, Mick began by hiring skilled labour, but he also made a point of taking on some trainees – local people who in those days didn’t have easy access to learning trades, and whom Mick could directly train, oversee and help them to gain a qualification whilst on the job.

This was the very beginning of MCP’s culture of nurturing skills and creating work opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

Developing a multi-trade landscape

Fast-forward 45 years and MCP is now the UK’s leading specialist repairs and maintenance provider for the social housing sector.

The company provides a dynamic, multitrade service that relies on a multitude of skilled tradespeople; electricians, plumbers, carpenters, gas engineers, roofers, quantity surveyors, decorators, landscapers, and many others.

When looking after thousands of properties, quality, efficiency and the need for crossfunctional expertise are paramount, and while the lines between many trades may have blurred, there are benefits for both professionals and the business.

By helping their employees achieve additional qualifications, MCP has created a fluid and multiskilled workforce that helps to improve productivity and counter absenteeism. It also gives the business a competitive advantage because it can adapt quickly and handle multifaceted projects.

Learning life skills and social values

In addition to supporting vocational training, MCP also provides a wide range of training courses and workshops on topics such as health and safety, fire training, first-aid, personal safety and social values.

Anna West, Director of Talent and Relationships at MCP has nothing but praise for the entire company’s commitment to learning saying, www.mcp.community

“Our culture of learning is the golden thread that runs through our heritage and continues on through our workforce. Opportunities to learn may start with MCP but success is always down to the positive attitude and hard work of individuals.

“In terms of success stories, there are so many; we’ve watched school leavers become managers, apprentices become mentors, and we’ve even applauded some who have won awards for their work. We hope these stories will inspire others to join our team”.

MCP currently supports 10% of its workforce through their learning, from apprentices through to those studying for a Master’s Degree.

To find out more about MCP’s work and training opportunities visit MCP Careers.