Costain has become the first tier 1 infrastructure contractor to partner with Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) in a move aimed at improving access to employment for care leavers aged 16-25 and people with previous convictions.
RFA is a not-for-profit organisation that connects a national network of charities and employers to help people facing barriers to employment secure sustainable careers.
The partnership will create routes into jobs across the UK infrastructure sector, including road, rail, aviation, water and energy. Costain has committed to recruiting a minimum of five candidates into full-time roles each year.
The contractor’s supply chain will also be able to draw on RFA’s expertise and support, potentially extending the number of opportunities available. Costain oversees an average daily workforce of 14,500 people across more than 150 project sites and has a forward work position of £7bn.
The initiative is part of Costain’s Sustainability programme 2030, which includes a target to support 500 people in developing the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. In 2025, the company supported 1,200 people with employability skills and recorded more than 1,900 volunteering hours on school engagement initiatives.
‘We can help address the skills challenge’
Catherine Duffy, chief people and sustainability officer at Costain, said: “We believe that everyone should have the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career in infrastructure.
“Our partnership with the Rebuilding Futures Alliance means we can help address the skills challenge facing our industry while providing employment opportunities to talented people who deserve a second chance.”
Gabriella Ellison, chief executive of RFA, said employment was a key factor in reducing reoffending, which costs the government an estimated £22.7bn a year.
She added: “Welcoming Costain as our first tier 1 infrastructure and engineering partner marks a significant step forward in our mission. It strengthens our ability to create real pathways into an industry that offers long-term, skilled careers and genuine opportunities for progression.”
