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Members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) held events across the country as part of National Construction Week (8th to 15th October). The aim was to encourage young people into careers in building by showing them what it's really like to work in the industry.
FMB Director General Ian Davis said:
"It was great to see so many events staged by FMB members. If we are to address the current skills shortages, we must look to the next generation. We want to make children aware of the challenges and rewards the construction industry can offer."
In Yorkshire, where five FMB members have formed Promoting Construction in West Yorkshire Training Group (PCWYTG), children from a Wakefield school were literally "at the quarry face". The 14 year olds toured a local quarry and building site to see how stone is quarried, processed and used to build new homes, before heading to Leeds College of Building for some hands on experience.
Said Jackie McDermott, deputy head at Woodkirk High School:
"For students who are looking at a career in construction this is exactly what they need. We are delighted that local builders are supporting the school in this way."
PCWYTG is also helping the school to raise £250,000 for a new building to house the skills training that will form part of a GCSE in Construction that is due to start next year.
Meanwhile, in the Midlands, FMB member, Ray O'Connor gave over 400 school children their first taste of bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing. The event also gave the teenagers a chance to design their dream home using the latest CAD technology.
First posted: 20 October 2003. Last modified: 21 October 2003.
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14 year olds from Woodkirk High School "at the quarry face", in Wakefield as part of National Construction Week.
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