Bethell partners with We Love MCR Charity to inspire next generation of local construction talent

Bethell has become the first construction sector partner of We Love MCR Charity, supporting ambitious young people across the city through the Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund.

The new partnership brings together two organisations with deep roots in Manchester and a shared commitment to investing in the city’s future.

Bethell has spent more than 160 years helping shape the region’s infrastructure and, through this new partnership, we will help shape something equally important: the next generation of skilled professionals.

Supporting We Love MCR Charity’s Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund, Bethell will help talented young Mancunians overcome financial barriers by funding training, qualifications, equipment and career development opportunities. Alongside financial support, the partnership will raise awareness of the wide range of careers available within the construction and civil engineering sector, helping young people explore pathways they may never have previously considered.

The construction industry currently offers more than 300 different career routes, with employers across the UK continuing to face skills shortages and increasing demand for new talent. By connecting young people with opportunities, experience and industry insight, the partnership aims to help build a stronger pipeline of future professionals while supporting social mobility across Manchester.

Michael Holmes, Managing Director of Bethell Construction: “Our DNA is Manchester. Since Bethell’s early origins constructing the transport infrastructure which fuelled Britain’s industrial boom, we’re proud to have operated in the region for more than 160 years.

“Today, our industry faces new challenges where we must address the growing skills gap by inspiring new talent and transferring knowledge from one generation to the next. We’ve seen how We Love MCR Charity’s Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund helps young people unlock their potential and we’re proud to become the charity’s first partner in the civil engineering sector. There are more than 300 careers available across construction and we look forward to working with We Love MCR Charity to help young people discover the opportunities available to them and equip them with the skills, training and confidence to succeed.”

The Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund supports ambitious young Mancunians aged 15 to 22 who face financial barriers beyond their control. Since its launch, the fund has helped hundreds of young people progress into education, training, employment, entrepreneurship and professional careers by providing grants for essential equipment, specialist training, travel and qualifications.

Simon Wright, Head of Charity at We Love MCR Charity: “We’re delighted to welcome Bethell Group as our newest corporate partner and our first from the civil engineering sector. This partnership is about much more than funding. It’s about creating pathways into an industry that offers fantastic careers, while helping young people develop the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to thrive.“

“Manchester’s future depends on investing in its people. By working alongside businesses like Bethell, we’re able to connect ambitious young Mancunians with real opportunities and help ensure talent is never limited by circumstance.”

The partnership reflects We Love MCR Charity’s growing network of corporate supporters who are investing directly in Manchester’s future by supporting young people and strengthening communities across the city. By helping create pathways into training and employment, partnerships like this can also support Manchester’s long-term sustainable economic growth, helping ensure people from across the city have the opportunity to share in its success.