Partnership builds awareness of careers in construction

Contractor G F Tomlinson has supported the careers programme at the academy since work started on the new block earlier this year.

Staff attended the STEM Week Careers Fair where they chatted to students, helping to break down stereotypes and inspire girls into construction and other STEM careers.

Louise Caunt, who is responsible for the careers programme at SNA said: "We have a great connection with G F Tomlinson and were thrilled to welcome Beth who is G F Tomlinson's site manager on our project, and Amy Kelly their Technical Apprentice to our event. They were able to tell students about their own routes into construction and the wider roles available such as site management, as well as the company's early careers programmes."

The team also attended the school's Year 10 Careers Themed Week, which replaced work experience this year. This time, Amy spoke one-to-one with students during a mock interview activity, about the sector and made suggestions for gaining work experience.  

Louise added: "We are keen to continue the partnership with the company next year, hopefully organising more site visits for small groups of interested students, as well as pursuing opportunities for onboarding through the Open Doors programme."

Open Doors, facilitated by the D2N2 Careers Hub, is an initiative aimed at giving groups of young people an insight to the workings of different businesses and sectors, to break down misconceptions and stereotypes and to highlight the 'unseen' roles within businesses.

This type of outreach work is especially important the construction industry as it is often misunderstood by those who do not have much experience within it.

Site manager Beth Tomlinson said: "The construction industry is an exciting, ever-growing industry which should be considered as a career path for all."

"My role as a site manager is to look after the day to day running of a live construction project. This includes, health and safety, coordination of trades people, quality checks and to maintain programme." 

"Speaking to the younger generation regarding the career options available in all industries is imperative so that they may have a better understanding of the variety of job roles within any industry. This type of outreach work is especially important the construction industry as it is often misunderstood by those who do not have much experience within it."

The new building at South Nottinghamshire Academy, which is on track to be completed next year, will allow for an extra 150 student places. There are currently approximately 750 students on roll. The project aims to meet increasing demand for secondary school places in the area over the next 10 years.