SADDLEWORTH SCHOOL students got hands on during a four-week construction skills programme to improve their job prospects and learn about the demands of working life.
Affordable housing contractor Wates Living Space delivered the training sessions to give pupils an insight into the industry and show them what employers expect from their workforce.
Topics covered included punctuality, presentation, respect and reliability, as well as looking at health and safety on construction sites and the variety of careers available.
Then students’ construction skills were put to the test as they were tasked with building a bridge from materials purchased from a set budget and judged on sturdiness and practicability.
Pupils also braved the bad weather and built some garden planters to be placed within the school’s special needs area.
Mr Andy Pheby, from Saddleworth School, said: “It has been fantastic to see how engaged our students have been in the programme – not only how much they enjoyed it but the pride they have taken in the work they have carried out
“It has given them a good head start on the journey towards employment.”
The training programme was arranged through Wates’ partnership with Housing 21, which is currently completing the refurbishment of 273 bungalows in Oldham for older people.
Joanne Jamieson, Regional Managing Director of Wates Living Space, commented: “In today’s competitive job market, it is important school leavers are equipped with the knowledge to stand out amongst the crowd.
“As a local employer, we know the value of hands-on, practical skills and experience – that is why we were pleased to use our partnership with Housing 21 to help raise the employability prospects of these young people in Saddleworth.”
Established in 1897, Wates is one of the UK’s largest family-owned construction services and development companies. Wates Living Space is one of the UK’s leading affordable housing contractors and builds or refurbishes around 30,000 homes each year. For more information visit www.wates.co.uk
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