A hugely successful careers programme for secondary school students has secured support from a new collaboration of three major supply chain companies.
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, AtkinsRéalis and Amey will actively support employability skills provider Inspira as a strategic partner by funding, designing and helping to deliver The Link programme during 2025 and 2026.
The Link brings together local schools and employers to help young people, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to develop skills and gain experience of the workplace. Activities range from world of work events, mock interviews and speed networking to CV writing, interactive workshops and careers fairs.
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, AtkinsRéalis, and Amey have joined forces under the name AssetForward, a collaborative initiative focused on supporting the design and delivery of complex asset management projects in the nuclear sector.
This partnership brings together deep expertise and a shared commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, with the aim of driving long-term improvements and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
Deborah Naylor, area operations manager West Cumbria, at Inspira, added: “We’re proud to launch The Link programme for 2025/26 in conjunction with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, AtkinsRéalis, and Amey along with our other valued sponsors.
“Inspira has long championed the importance of employer engagement in education, and The Link is a powerful example of what’s possible when employers come together to support young people.
“By connecting students, especially those facing disadvantage, with real-world experiences and career insights, we’re helping them build confidence, raise aspirations, and make informed choices about their futures.”
Senior representatives from the lead organisations – which included Chris Conboy, managing director, Nuclear EMEA, at AtkinsRéalis, and Craig McGilvray, managing director, at Amey Complex Facilities – joined Inspira and local businesses and schools currently supporting The Link for a celebratory event at the Energy Coast University Technical College in Lillyhall, near Workington.
The three companies will work together as one, providing experienced representatives to support activities delivered through The Link programme as well as provide placement opportunities.
Eldon Garnett, managing director – nuclear at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said: “Each of the partners involved in this collaboration bring their own unique skills and experience to the table to deliver excellence, innovation and value for money on the Sellafield site.
“The same goes for our shared company values and ambitions to leave a positive legacy for the communities in West Cumbria.
“Navigating a way into the world of work can be tough for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We’re looking forward to working with Inspira to support a new wave of talented youngsters and help them flourish as people and professionals.”
They heard about the positive impact the programme is having on current students at the UTC and former students who have benefited from being involved.
Ellie Telford is a project management degree apprentice with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure who works on electrical asset care projects being delivered through the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance framework at Sellafield.
She said: “Being involved in The Link has helped made me the person I am today.
“For me, the mock interviews with industry professionals were so valuable. I used the experience and advice I was given to help me prepare my CV and went on to apply what I’d learned in my interviews.
“It definitely help me to get this opportunity with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.”
Learn more about The Link at https://www.inspira.org.uk/about-us/the-link
