Transforming Telford

Up to 800 youngsters from schools across the West Midlands will be getting hands on experience in the construction industry at this year’s Building People events on Tuesday 9th October and Friday 12th October.

The free events, which are taking place at Enginuity at Ironbridge Gorge, Telford and at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, are happening as part of National Construction Week, a nationwide campaign to promote the construction industry to young people.

The 13 – 19 year-olds will be given the chance to take part in a variety of hands-on activities. These will range from constructing radio towers to wall–papering and building walls. There will also be a competitive element as the school children will be encouraged to build the strongest crane and the fastest buggy.

Sarah Raper, CEO of Transforming Telford said: “’Building people’ is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to learn more about the world of work and the construction industry.

“It is well known fact that there is a massive shortfall in the numbers of people entering the industry and ‘Building people’ will encourage more school leavers to consider the various trades and skills that the construction industry has to offer.”

Recent research by the House Builders Federation revealed 73 per cent of companies reported that a shortage of suitably skilled site labourers was impacting on their activities and that 57 per cent were affected by a shortage of professional staff.

Ian Priest, Chairman of the Wolverhampton, Black Country and Shropshire C.I.O.B said: “When people think about construction, they often think that it just involves building walls, but there is so much more to it than that. There are vacancies in the industry for skilled people in every area, from plumbing to engineering and for men and women.

“We will be supporting the event by offering advice and guidance in Building Industry Careers and we’re also working in partnership with Grime’s Finishing’s Ltd to provide a ‘have a go at plastering and dry-lining’ session which will help give an insight into some of the more practical skills associated with the industry.”

The local event in Telford is being supported by Telford and Wrekin Council’s Engineering Department, Jacobs Babtie, Horsehay Brick & Tile, Total People Ltd, Summit Skills, George Wimpey, Transforming Telford, The Institution of Civil Engineers, The Shropshire Constructing Excellence Club and The Chartered Institute of Building.

More details on National Construction Week can be found on www.ncw.org.uk

Stands are available at the event from £500.00 or why not sponsor a local school or organise a challenge, it is our responsibility as construction organisations to promote the positive future of our industry so play a part in National Construction Week.

For more information on NCW or about Building People contact Lorraine Walker on 01691 610777 or email Buildingpeople02@aol.com

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