Future builders - Unique new construction skills initiative launches
An innovative new scheme is launching in Essex to give young people first hand experience of working on all stages of a construction project, from design and build through to demolition.
Future Builders is being established by working in partnership with Chelmsford-based charity Essex Youthbuild to give young people from all backgrounds a chance to learn construction outside the classroom.
We are supporting the project by providing space at our Chelmsford office where students will build and demolish a purpose-built studio flat. A number of other partners are backing the initiative by providing funding, materials or professional mentoring support.
Future Builders will see groups of young people taking part in an intensive eight-week learning programme, where they will experience a range of roles within the construction industry. During this time they will implement skills introduced to them through other Essex Youthbuild programmes on a real site environment.
Students will construct the studio flat using timber frame materials and install a working kitchen and bathroom inside the building. As well as developing practical skills such as bricklaying, plumbing and electrical installation, they will also work on design, risk assessments and cost analysis.
At the end of the project the students will plan and carry out the demolition of the building, before a new group of Future Builders starts work on site.
Viviene Bish-Bedeau, Operations Director for Essex Youthbuild, created the project to promote construction as a legitimate career option and attract and retain more young people in the industry. It is hoped that students taking part in Future Builders will use the experience to secure employment or gain qualifications to help develop their career ambitions. The project also aims to shatter stereotypes around construction, including sites being male-only environments.
Viviene Bish-Bedeau said: “It is very easy to underestimate the abilities of young people based on their age. The full scope of roles in construction are seldomly explained to young people, especially within the current school curriculum. Construction as a career choice is generally only introduced after leaving school or as an alternative provision to those considered less academic. This thought process has impacted the skill-gap we now experience in the UK construction industry.
“My hope is that this project will not only enlighten young people as to all that is entailed in a construction project from start to finish, but that it will also encourage those in the industry to give young people more opportunities and an easier route to follow a career in construction. I hope this type of project will be replicated throughout the UK and I am always happy to speak to those interested in doing so.”
Carl Hockey, Growth and Partnerships Director, CHP said: “As a major developer of housing in the eastern region we’re keen to help young people to pursue careers in the construction industry. We’re therefore delighted to support the Future Builders project and provide the space for the students to hone their skills on a real site. We look forward to seeing the results and continuing our partnership with Essex Youthbuild.”
The project is also being supported by Ingleton Wood, Oxbury Chartered Surveyors and DCH Construction. Funding has been provided by B&CE Charitable Trust, Vinci UK Foundation, System Method Building Ltd, SIDS Plumbing, National Lottery Community Fund, Eurovia Consulting and Aaron Services.