A college is continuing to build a case for the construction industry after hosting two events in two days.
Last year, Eastern Education Group was named as a Construction Training Excellence Centre (CTEC).
(Nine others exist throughout England but this CTEC is the only one in the East).
The scheme aims to draw on homegrown, British talent to train 40,000 construction learners across the country by 2029, creating well paid jobs that supports the government’s commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes through its Plan for Change.
Since being chosen as a CTEC, West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group have created a number of events to help fly the flag for the sector.
Most recently, they championed the building industry by hosting a competition that saw around 30 students from six colleges based in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk take part in an annual Guild of Bricklayers skills contest.
Learners were tasked with creating a design from scratch and then representatives from The Guild chose winners in junior and senior categories.
Mark Tree is the Assistant Principal for CTEC at Eastern Education Group. He said: “Competitions like this gives students an opportunity to show their skills and it gives them a level of recognition. It’s also a chance for us to promote the construction careers.”
Steve Southern is a National Competition Secretary for the Guild of Bricklayers. He said: “Construction gives you skills to earn a living, learn a craft and open doors (to a career).”
One day after hosting this prestigious competition, the promotion of careers in construction continued as Eastern Education Group invited 200 students aged 12 to 13 from three schools based in Norfolk and Suffolk to chat to four companies about industry roles.
The schools – Breckland, Ormiston and Stradbroke – took part in interactive sessions with Anglian Water, the college Futures Team, Mig Anglia and Morgan Sindall.
Activities included virtual welding, an overview of jobs in the water industry and tailored careers guidance.
Vic Fiebelkorn was the organiser of the CTEC careers event. She said: “We are proud to be named as one of ten CTEC colleges in the country and we hosted this event as part receiving that honour. We want to reach as many children and young people as possible and with this event, we invited schools from rural communities to come along and see the opportunities that are out there in terms of construction careers.”
Nicola Biggs is a Social Value Coordinator or Morgan Sindall in the eastern region. Nicola said: “We had a quickfire activity where youngsters matched job roles with salaries. Lots of youngsters think construction is bricklaying but there are lots of roles out there. I think it’s great what Eastern Education Group is doing.”
There was also a message to encourage more females into the industry. Nicola continued: “Gender stereotype roles start setting in at about six years old so the earlier engagement we can have, the better. Construction can be for girls, like nursing can be for guys. Anyone can fit in where they want to.”
Helen Boreham is a Careers Advisor for Ormiston Sudbury Academy. Helen said: “It’s important to get students to think about their futures from an early age.”
Milo, 12, from Ormiston Sudbury Academy, he said: “Construction is a pathway I might consider in the future. The day has been interesting.”
