More than 1,500 school children took part in this year’s Construction Week at the Lincolnshire Showground.
Pupils got the chance to try a variety of construction-themed activities across the three-day event, including paving, plastering and even operating a mini digger.
Employees from Lindum joined staff from 40 other businesses to provide a unique insight into our industry in the hope of inspiring young people to consider a career in construction.
Hosted by the Lincoln Group Training Association (LGTA), the event was established in 2003 and Lindum has been involved since the very beginning.
Lindum Co-chairman, Ed Chambers said it was amazing to see how much the event has grown.
“Yet again we were delighted to engage with students and it’s amazing to see them enjoying themselves and experiencing something new. Lindum were part of Construction Week’s inception 20 years ago, and it’s great to see how much it’s grown in that time.”
Lindum’s activities included a PPE race, a game of giant Jenga (made by apprentices in Lindum’s joinery workshop) and the chance to operate a mini digger.
Among the students who visited the Lindum stand was 14-year-old Gilly from South Axholme Academy in Epworth (pictured below). He said: “I really enjoyed playing giant Jenga and operating a mini digger. My brother is an apprentice, and my dad works on an oil rig. I like rugby and being active, so I’d like to work in construction or engineering.”
Lindum hosted four sessions each day, with a mixture of primary and secondary schools attending the event.
14-year-old Joe also visited the Lindum stand and said: “It was cool to operate Lindum’s mini digger, and I’d like to do it as a job. I like being outside and working with machines, as my dad tinkers with them. I also help my uncle on his farm and get to work with the tractors and machinery there too.”
The annual event featured a mixture of indoor and outdoor sessions hosted by industry leaders, spread across the 270-acre site.
15-year-old Will from Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford (pictured below) said: “the Jenga and mini digger were really fun. I’ve actually used one before with my dad, so I’m used to them! I worked with him doing bricklaying over the summer holidays and now help out at weekends, so I know quite a lot about construction. I’d really like to work in heating or plumbing when I leave school.”
South Axholme Academy’s Associate Assistant Principal, Lisa Jacklin, said: “I really enjoy bringing our students to the event and thank all the employers who give up the time over the three days to inspire the students. Each year our students comment on how much they have enjoyed the day.
“The timetable allows the students to experience activities which we are unable to do in a school. It is really interesting to see how some quiet students in a classroom come to life in this setting. “The day not only allows schools to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks but develops the students employability skills alongside employers.”
