Skilled Workforce
Construction contributes almost £90 billion to the UK economy, comprised of over 280,000 businesses covering some 2.93 million jobs (he equivalent to about 10% of total UK employment). According to the latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report, an extra 255,000 additional workers will be required to meet construction demands by 2027. Construction is a diverse sector, which offers a huge range of job opportunities. Having a skilled and talented workforce is essential to the competitiveness of the industry. Few sectors have the same potential to provide large numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs, and because the industry is so vital, there is never a shortage of opportunities. However, with almost a fifth (17%) of those working in construction aged over 55, the sector must develop a flow of new recruits to tackle skills shortages and deliver future projects.
To inspire future industry talent, and to support more people into the construction industry to tackle skills shortages, Seddon provides several opportunities for young learners to explore possible career options within the built environment, including site visits.Construction site visits are interactive experiences that enhance students’ understanding of real construction practices. They offer the opportunity for anyone interested in a career in the sector to find out what goes on behind the hoardings at a construction site, and to showcase the exciting range of careers available in construction.
Experiencing a real working site is so valuable to the young learners’ understanding of the various processes involved in both new builds and refurbishment work. It provides a great visual representation of the subjects I have to cover. Thank you to the team at Seddon for this fantastic opportunity.
Clayton Fluke
Programme Tutor, Professional Construction
Oldham College
Site Visits
As a company, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in construction. So, on two glorious winter days in November 2023, we opened our gates at our Royton Town Hall and Library site to welcome local students from Hopwood Hall College and Oldham College. Thirty-six young learners, studying (T-Level Design, Surveying and Planning) were provided with a guided tour of the site, which is a challenging and complex refurb full of historic interest. This provided a unique and meaningful experience for the young learners to enhance their learning and make it real.
And it certainly did become a reality for three students following the site visit! Hugh Brierley, Ricardo Pedrosa Taylor and Joseph Thorpe, T Level students from Hopwood Hall College, were offered Industry Placements at the Royton Town Hall & Library site. This was due to the eagerness they displayed on-site, and their enthusiasm to pursue a career in construction. They hope one day to become Site Managers.
Industry Placements are a compulsory part of the T Level qualification that all students must complete to gain their certificate. We are pleased to say that the students have gone from strength to strength, gaining vital experience working on site with industry professionals one day per week for 9 weeks (totalling 360 hours per student). We look forward to working with and supporting Hugh, Ricardo and Joseph for the duration of their placements and beyond. Keep up the amazing work!
When my tutor asked me if I’d be interested in an Industry Placement,, I grabbed the opportunity. It allowed me to gain more technical and practical knowledge about materials and construction processes, and offered lots of opportunities to build valuable life skills. I can’t thank the site team at Seddon enough for their support and encouragement. It was a life-changing experience!
Ricardo Pedrosa Taylor
T-Level Design, Surveying & Planning Student
Hopwood Hall College
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
