The Stephen Longfellow Academy Careers Department have been working in partnership with Willmott Dixon to raise the awareness of the construction sector to students across Key stage 3 & 4. Wilmott Dixon are the UK’s leading independent construction and property services company. In November 2022 there were several assemblies delivered to students by Willmott Dixon staff to promote the organisation, jobs roles and future opportunities in the sector. Students learned about trade and non-trade roles, pay scales and the future of sustainable/green construction careers. KS4 Students were also informed of the pathways to careers via college and apprenticeship routes and the new Construction T Level was discussed. There was a key focus in both assemblies on what key skills and qualities are needed to be successful in the construction industry.
Feedback taken from students showed that:
90% said they had learned about new construction roles e.g. 3D visualiser.
65% said that they would consider a career in Construction because of the assembly.
40% said they would want to visit a working Construction site.
40% said they would like to undertake some work experience with Willmott Dixon.
Feedback comments from Wilmott Dixon staff member below:
“ I was really impressed with the students behaviour. In yesterday’s assembly the year 10’s and 11s were interested and asking relevant questions, and in this morning’s KS3 assembly, the students remained quiet and attentive. Altogether they represented your school brilliantly. Better than some standard provision assemblies I’ve hosted!”
Holly Buckley (Senior Social Value Manager- WD)
The assemblies were well received and positive. The assemblies will be followed by a visit for students to see a working construction site in Birkenshaw, where Willmott Dixon are building the new Fire Service headquarters. The visit has been planned for January 2023.
Year 10 students who have shown a real interest in the sector will also be offered the opportunity to access a work experience placement in March 2023 with Wilmott Dixon at one of their current sites across Leeds.
Finally, there will be a bespoke Construction event for Year 9 students held by Willmott Dixon at Stephen Longfellow Academy in March 2023. This event will include sessions such as: the Tetrahedron challenge, Bridge design challenge and Map game, all linked with school subjects such as Maths, Art and Geography to promote the link between school subjects and the Construction sector.
Raj Gill (Senior Careers Officer)