Partnership encourages students to consider careers in construction

Designed to introduce young people to careers available within the building industry, the event saw Year 12 students join the Wates team to take part in a construction workshop.

They worked in teams to take part in a simulated construction tender process in which they were tasked with designing and developing a new school building.

The workshop is one of a number of activities included within a three-year engagement programme between Wates, which has a base at Capability Green in Luton, and the school. It aims to develop vocational skills and raise career aspirations for future employment.

 

The partnership forms part of a nationwide Business Class education scheme run by Business in the Community, which links local businesses to local schools in order to develop a longer-term relationship.

The Hazeley-Wates collaboration is now in its second year and has included Wates’ staff leading monthly mentoring sessions and poetry and literacy workshops.

 

Hazeley student shave visited several construction sites in Milton Keynes to see Wates at work and the company has pledged to donate 480 pocket-sized dictionaries for each student in Year 7 and 8 in an effort to support the school in the provision of learning resources.

Peter Whitmore, business unit director for Wates Construction, Northern Home Counties and East, said: “It is the undoubted responsibility of businesses to support the education of young people and help future generations realise their potential and prepare themselves for the world of work.