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Building Up Knowledge

The next generation of Builders, Carpenters and Decorators ‘built up’ their knowledge of the Construction Industry on 24th March, by taking part in a Construction Challenge Day at Walsall College’s Green Lane Campus.

Pupils also had the chance to find out about the range of opportunities the regeneration of Walsall is bringing to the area, through presentations from West Midlands based construction companies.

Organised in conjunction with the Walsall EBP (Education Business Partnership) and sponsored by Dulux, Weinerberger and Benfield Construction Limited (the construction company who are currently building a new extension at the Green Lane Campus), the challenge day saw pupils from a range of local schools working in teams to build a model to a specification, in just 3 hours.

Young Construction Apprentices from St. Francis of Assisi CTC were on hand throughout the challenge to provide mentoring to fellow pupils. The Young Apprentices are all aged 14-16 and have been studying their Young Apprenticeships in addition to their school work, attending Walsall College and workplaces one day per week.

The youngsters had the opportunity to hear presentations from guest speakers from the Construction Industry, including Moss-Kier Group, Carillion, Skanska and Benfield Construction Limited. They also learned key Carpentry; Brickwork; Painting and Decorating and Job organisation skills, before putting what they have learned into practice in the group challenge.

Pupils from St Thomas More Business and Enterprise College, Brownhills Community Technology College, Shelfield Sports College and Barr Beacon Language College took part in the challenge and the overall winners from were Barr Beacon Language College were presented with a trophy by Walsall College’s Vice Principal, Jev Bhalla.

Tim Rymond, Head of School for Construction at Walsall College said, “We hope the youngsters gained a lot out of the Construction Challenge Day and that it gave them an insight into the variety of skills and careers available in the Construction Industry. These challenges are a great way for young people to develop their team work skills, as well as giving them an early taste of college life”.


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