The Radiant & Brighter organisation provides support and programmes for people who are socially isolated and economically excluded to help them integrate into their local communities. They focus on empowering people from different ethnic communities to work together, learn from each other and they use all available opportunities to engage and develop in their local communities.

As part of its diversity and inclusion strategy, the partnership between Taylor Wimpey West Scotland and Radiant and Brighter has provided 11 participants with work experience at four developments in the west of Scotland including Dargavel Village, Bishopton and Newton Farm in Cambuslang.

Over a five-week period, the training programme included the opportunity to experience some of the key trades including bricklaying, plumbing and joinery, meet members of Taylor Wimpey’s construction teams, an assessment and references for the participant’s CV.

As part of the process, Taylor Wimpey West Scotland took the opportunity to promote the housebuilding industry and the careers that it has to offer to BAME candidates. It hopes this type of focused approached will help to contribute towards its strategy to create a more diverse workforce.

Brian Henderson, production director, said: “Our ambition is for Taylor Wimpey to be an inclusive company which values people as individuals – employees, customers and clients. “This is a small step in our ambition to highlight the types of opportunities and career paths that we have to offer BAME groups in the west of Scotland, and we’re already working with Radiant & Brighter to refine our learning from this project to apply to future programmes as we reaffirm our commitment in this area.”

Micheal Matovu, co-founder of Radiant & Brighter, added: “There is a lot of untapped talent within BAME communities, and it is difficult to unlock their potential contribution to the economy and society in general because employers often need experience, references and UK-based qualifications which many often do not have.

“Scotland’s demographics over the last 10 years have changed drastically and companies are increasingly recognising a need to diversify and develop culture awareness within their workforce.

“Our program with Taylor Wimpey has created a shared learning experience between candidates and mentors, placing value on the individual contribution everyone brings to the workplace regardless of background.”