Foundations for Life provides tailored training and development, on-site mentorship and ongoing pastoral support to enable structured career development for disadvantaged individuals. Using a support network of specialist partners, we have established several impactful schemes including ROTL (Release on Temporary License) and Prison Leaver Programmes, Support for Hidden Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Individuals, Addiction Rehabilitation Pathways and Ex-Forces Employment for people struggling to find a new career direction after leaving the military.
Michael Howard, Managing Director at Howard Civil Engineering, said:
“We believe that employment can be the cornerstone of stability and dignity for people looking to rebuild their lives. By welcoming disadvantaged individuals into our workforce, we not only change lives but also enrich our own organisation with talented and committed people. Programmes like Foundations for Life benefit businesses and the wider community by promoting inclusivity, addressing skills shortages, and contributing to a more equitable society. One of our key partners of the Howarth Foundation, a charity committed to securing meaningful employment and housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness. The Howarth Foundation has played a big part in the success of our programme to date, connecting us with individuals and supporting our mentoring process.”
Foundations for Life is now established as part of Howard Civil Engineering’s recruitment policy and wider commitment to social responsibility. The programme has become a proven blueprint for rehabilitation, having successfully supported the professional development and long-term career progression of people from a range of challenging backgrounds.
Ewan Mason, Recruitment Manager, said:
“In the last financial year, we provided employment for 11 disadvantaged individuals. This included six from HMP Hatfield joining our ROTL programme, two recruited via the Howarth Foundation, two T Levels and one ex-forces.”
While the statistics are encouraging, they only tell a fraction of the success story. The substance lies in the experiences and words of our Foundations for Life employees who embraced a second chance in life and grasped the opportunity with both hands.
Few examples illustrate the positive impact of Foundations for Life better than Kiel Tetley. Kiel joined Howard Civil Engineering via the ROTL programme and was placed in a Site Operative role on one of our major projects at Full Sutton. With the guidance of Senior Project Manager, Steve Dakin, Kiel rapidly distinguished himself through his attitude, work ethic, and commitment to learning.
Steve said:
“Kiel has become a valued member of the team. He has gained experience in all aspects of our current work fronts including drainage, slab preparation, waterproofing and ducting. He has shown a great attitude toward learning and his own personal development, resulting in us funding his banksman training course. Kiel has now also been tasked with controlling all site materials and plant deliveries to the ancillary buildings, a task that he completes to an excellent standard, communicating well with both the delivery drivers and our site team.”
Kiel has spoken highly of his experience. He says that his second chance with Howard Civil Engineering has improved his mental health and confidence, helped him to upskill and allowed him to enjoy family life. He recommends others from similar backgrounds to “jump at the chance” to participate in the programme. We couldn’t be happier to hear feedback like that.
Adam Wilson – who joined us from HMP Hatfield via the ROTL programme and brought prior experience in construction – has thrived in his role as Site Manager.
Reflecting on the ROTL programme and its personal impact, Adam shared how much he valued the opportunity to re-enter the industry, begin saving money, and re-establish the routines and responsibilities of everyday life, both at home and at work. He praised the friendly, helpful, and accommodating nature of our workforce, which has strengthened his resolve to relocate and continue working with us following his upcoming release from prison.
Adam also spoke about the peace of mind that comes from knowing he will leave prison with secure employment and the financial stability that brings.
A passionate advocate for the ROTL programme, Adam believes it “gives you the chance to feel like a normal person, and the potential to go back to what you were doing before, or learn a completely new skill.”
When asked about the future, Adam expressed a clear ambition to progress into a Contracts or Project Manager role and to remain with Howard Civil Engineering for the long term. For him, the most important factor is feeling like he’s at the right company – and for Adam, that company is us.
Outside of work, Adam volunteers in schools, where he educates young people about the realities of prison life and encourages them to be the best version of themselves. He is now a committed ambassador for the construction industry and a valued member of our team. We look forward to supporting Adam in his continued development.
Steve Dakin said: “The ROTL programme has quickly become an invaluable resource avenue for us. Adam joined us with a wealth of experience, and has quickly become an integral part of the team. Our ROTL colleagues have demonstrated an excellent work ethic and a real determination to learn and improve their skills. As a result, we have been able to offer full-time employment and further training to operatives on their release, with more planned for the future.” The success of Foundation for Life has strengthened our belief in the lasting, positive difference Howard Civil Engineering can make within the communities we serve. The construction industry not only has the power to build our homes, schools, offices, hospitals and infrastructure – it also has the potential to build a better future for those who need it most.
