Building knowledge: Industry leaders teach vital skills at Lincoln Construction Week

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Midlands organisations gave children an insight into joinery and other construction careers at Lincoln Construction Week, which took place October 2-4 at Lincolnshire Showground.

The event attracted more than 1,000 pupils (Year 6 and up) from 35 different schools across the three days, giving them the opportunity to participate in a range of different construction-related activities being delivered by 33 participating organisations.

Held by Lincoln Group Training Association (LGTA) in partnership with The Education Business Partnership (The EBP), the event aimed to raise awareness and interest in the diversity of careers available within the construction industry.

David Goodman of G F Tomlinson guides a student through the activity

In addition to joinery, other hands-on activities at Lincoln Construction Week focused on painting and decorating, roofing, brickwork, electrical, plumbing, motor vehicle maintenance, surveying, mini diggers, stone masonry, health & safety exercises, suspension bridges, street works, clay tile making, road marking and personal finance, among others.

At the G F Tomlinson stand, pupils learnt essential carpentry and joinery skills, such as how to install a door.

Experienced joiners and tradesman as well as site managers, contracts managers, quantity surveyors and office-based G F Tomlinson staff were all on hand to guide the pupils through the activity and answer any questions they had about a career in construction.

Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “At G F Tomlinson we are dedicated to promoting careers within construction and investing our time to inspire the next generation.

“Lincoln Construction Week is one example of our collaboration with local organisations to provide a range of education and careers support in the region.

“Ultimately, we hope that the children walked away with a positive experience and a desire to pursue a career in construction.”

Joanne Holmes, group training officer at LGTA, said: “Lincoln Construction Week is a great event to promote a wide range of careers available in the construction industry.

“We showcase craft skills, technical and professional roles to demonstrate there really is a role for everyone in construction, from heritage to virtual reality, with lots of teambuilding and problem solving.

“In its sixteenth year, the event continues to attract lots of interest from Lincolnshire schools and we are delighted to have had so much support from employers, training providers and other organisations – without them, the event would not be possible. It was wonderful to have G F Tomlinson on board this year.”