Commitment to Employment, Training & Apprenticeships
Both Laing O'Rourke and Murphy have made commitments to provide the vital skills, training, equal employment opportunities and business prospects to those that wish to be involved with new projects. They support initiatives and organsiations such as the National College for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure, and the National Skills Academy. By introducing unique BIM and construction assembly (offsite manufacture) apprenticeship technician schemes and creating opportunities to provide local communities with transferable skills, the joint venture is also addressing concerns surrounding future skills shortages.
The companies that comprise LM have a long history of working in alliances with multiple delivery partners and stakeholders. They are committed to these partnerships and the idea of collaborative business relationships, notably those within Network Rail’s BS11000 framework.
Laing O'Rourke was one of four partners that made up the Staffordshire Alliance – a programme to improve the West Coast Main Line. It was notable for the ‘pure alliance’ model in which Network Rail was both the client and delivery partner.
This was first developed in Australia as part of major rail schemes where Laing O'Rourke played a significant role. This way of working is delivering significant cost and programme benefits at Stafford and is setting the standard for future rail projects.
Working with SMEs
LM's supply chain and SME partners are a vital part of the joint venture’s commitment to offering value for money. That’s why the partners positively engage with them at the earliest possible stage as this is a way to maximise value, minimise risk and ensure that agreements are mutually beneficial.
Laing O'Rourke engages its supply partners with market-leading payment terms, underpinned by a rigorous performance-management framework. Likewise, Murphy fully recognises the major impact on the cost, quality and time of its projects, which is why its relationships with key suppliers and contractors are strong and enduring.
Training and development
LM is working to build on existing positive working environments that brings out the best in employees.
People should enjoy what they do and they should make the most of their talents. That is why we are committed to building careers, not just creating jobs. Through on-the-job learning, a wide range of training courses and career development programmes, we will make sure employees gain the skills they need to carry out their roles to the best of their ability but also to take on more challenging roles as they progress.
One of our unique characteristics will be an open and democratic culture. As a forward-thinking venture, LM won’t stand on ceremony so no matter who team members are, or what they do, if they suggest a better way of doing things, they are encouraged to share their ideas.
We will always put people first – none more so when it comes to health and safety. Nothing is more important than wellbeing so before anything is done, the first thing that will be asked is: ‘is it safe’. If it’s not, then it simply won’t be done.
Job opportunities
LM is committed to being an equal opportunities employer: one that maintains the highest standard of employment practice and one which seeks to build a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we live and work. We have a project leading standard of equality and diversity in our workplace, and have won national awards that recognise our leadership in this area.
All employees, no matter what their position, recognise and respect the diversity of backgrounds, beliefs and experiences that exist within the workforce and communities. Our workplace policies and practices echo the principles of equal employment opportunity, making LM a great place to work.
See our careers page if you’d like to get in touch and perhaps become part of our team.