Open Doors visits in Medway and West Berkshire are a resounding success!
This month, VolkerHighways’ Medway and West Berkshire highways term maintenance contracts welcomed students from local colleges for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the career opportunities available within the highways industry, as part of Build UK’s Open Doors week.
Medway
The Medway team welcomed six students from Strood Academy, who had all expressed an interest in following a career in the construction industry.
The day began with a ‘careers in construction’ presentation, a highways quiz and a safety briefing. The team then took the students to visit a site along the A228 Grain Road, where VolkerHighways is constructing a new bridleway. At the site, they were given the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the project.
Whilst on site, the students commented that they could imagine themselves becoming involved with this type of work in the future.
Project manager, Sohail Hussain, said: “I am delighted with the positive response from the students and their keen interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry. These events are a great way to interact with and inspire the next generation.”
West Berkshire
Over the course of two days, West Berkshire HTMC welcomed a total of 82 students, across five groups, from Newbury College.
The students were of varying ages and are currently studying a range of construction skills including carpentry, plumbing and electrical installation. Those studying electrical had a particular interest in the event, and asked lots of insightful questions, including about the option of studying NVQs, with the business.
Following a careers presentation, Q&A session and safety briefing, the students were invited to view a local improvement scheme along the A339.
Project manager, Jonathan Ullmer, said: “We were delighted by the number of students who joined in with the Open Doors event. It’s great being able to run this type of workshop and for them to get a real taste of what it’s like on a construction site.”