Pupils from three Essex secondary schools have swapped the classroom for a construction site – giving them a glimpse of life in the sector.
Students from Hylands, Sandon and Boswell schools got the opportunity to visit a live site, learning about different construction opportunities including engineering, design and site management.
The visits are part of the Building a Lasting Legacy (BaLL) project, run in partnership between Essex County Council/Essex Growth Agency, Morgan Sindall Construction, The Careers and Enterprise Company, Anglia Ruskin University and industry and school partners.
The programme supports pupils from Year 9 into post‑16 education, giving them an understanding of the world of work before they make career choices.
Andy Burgess, Director of Sustainable Growth at Essex County Council which funds the Essex Growth Agency, said: “Building a Lasting Legacy is about more than a single visit or event.
“By giving young people real‑world experiences over several years, we are helping them make informed choices about their futures.
“The programme also supports the long‑term skills needs of the construction sector in Essex.”
Neha, a Year 9 student at Hylands School who is taking part in the programme, said: “I didn’t have any idea about the construction industry as a future job, but the BaLL project has changed my ideas that it’s only about labouring roles.
“The project has helped me to understand that there are great opportunities around jobs like being a project manager.
“It has helped me to understand my strengths and how they could apply to the construction sector.”
Ethan, a Year 10 student from Hylands School, added: “When I first applied to the project I was unsure of what the construction industry had to offer me, I knew about the roles such as plumbing, electrician, bricklaying and roofing, however I was not aware that there were so many opportunities available.
“I am just about to start the next step through the BaLL project and am very excited to take part in some work experience. I will be spending the days with Millbank and Munro and am looking forward to the challenge.
“It has opened my eyes to what is available for my future.
“It would not have been possible without the BaLL project and this I believe is an essential part of my schooling.”
Local businesses involved in the project include Morgan Sindall Construction, Munro Building Services, Auburn Group and Jacobs.
