‘Values driven’
Axis Europe prides itself on being a values driven business with a strong corporate social responsibility ethos, underpinned by a belief that ‘what’s good for you is good for us’. The company has eight core values that embody their philosophy. One of their values focuses on supporting communities and the company has embedded this approach across their operations. From recruitment of new apprentices to engaging employees and suppliers, community investment is at the heart of Axis’ approach to business. This has been evidenced through their community investment strategy, which focuses on core business values such as respect, training and development and support for communities.
Leveraging support
The company has worked with its supply chain partners and clients to leverage the impact of its community investment activity. As part of its original CommunityMark submission, Axis Europe committed to maintaining 10% of its workforce as apprentices and trainees. The company has been successful in growing its business and requires a skilled workforce to meet the demands of clients. A challenge they face is recruiting skilled people in the construction industry Axis is proactively seeking solutions to overcome this issue. They have joined BITC’s Work Inspiration Campaign, which seeks to improve employability and especially support those not in education, employment or training (NEET). Of the 43 apprentices and trainees employed by Axis since 2009, 40 have been young people classed as NEET. Subcontractors are engaged to support the apprenticeship programme, ensuring that the 10% target is reached across the company’s employment footprint, which enables Axis to deliver consistent and qualified tradespeople.
Axis has also successfully engaged clients on the wider employability agenda. The company has developed a work experience programme to raise awareness of the industry and skills required amongst young people. Axis worked closely with a client, Amicus Horizon, to identify a local school that offers students an alternative curriculum in place of exclusion. The company worked with the school, Sittingbourne College, they interviewed 10 pupils for a 10-week work placement, with a view to recruiting one as an Axis apprentice. Students taking part in the scheme achieved a 100% attendance, and their school attendance improved from 26% to 96%. Given the success of the scheme, the company is working jointly with Amicus Horizon to jointly fund a further three apprenticeships following a second round of placements.
For more information on Axis Europe’s approach to community investment, please visit http://www.axiseurope.com/csr
