News: ​‘Building your Career’ event inspires students

The ​‘Building Your Career’ event saw Wates Construction deliver a series of talks, workshops, group exercises and team building activities for 58 students from the College, with the aim of raising aspirations and educating young people on the variety of career paths available in building.

Wates trainees Ambika Tah and Louise Ratcliffe gave presentations on their work experience to-date and highlighted the variety of routes to employment offered by the construction industry. Meanwhile, Business Unit Director, John Carlin, discussed his journey to becoming a director within one of the UK’s largest building companies.

Students also completed a myth busting task which saw them breaking down common misconceptions about working in construction. The students then took part in a group exercise focussed on the interview process and learned how to hone their skills and techniques in order to offer memorable and insightful answers to interview questions.

A number of Wates’ employees and partners including consultants Gleeds, planning advisor Peter Wilkinson and Bond Bryan Architects were on hand throughout the day to offer students an insight into the wide range of professions captured by the construction sector — from building control, architecture and health and safety to surveying, marketing and human resources.

John Carlin, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction in the Midlands, commented: ​“The Chartered Institute of Building reports that 157,000 new recruits are needed by the industry by 2021 in order to keep up with construction demand. This event was therefore a beneficial means for us to showcase the vast career opportunities available within the construction industry to the students from Nottingham College, our workforce of tomorrow. We’re determined to ensure that our presence in the city building this impressive new campus for the College will have a tangible social and economic impact and I was incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm and ambition shown by everyone who took part, they all have a very bright future ahead of them.”

Nottingham College Director of Estates, Matthew Varley, said:

Victoria Brambini, Managing Director at Scape Procure, commented: ​“Our National Construction framework promotes and encourages engagement with local schools and college students and it is brilliant to hear positive feedback following Wates’ dedicated careers day for the students at Nottingham College.

“These interactive sessions have never been more important given the skills shortages the built environment industry faces. With Brexit fast approaching, it is becoming increasingly important to inspire the next generation to ensure we have a skilled domestic workforce.”

Wates was appointed in spring this year to build the new City Hub campus for Nottingham College and work commenced in the summer. When complete, the City Hub will offer superior facilities and resources for college students, as well as providing community amenities including a restaurant, cafe and a new performing arts centre.

The project was procured via Major Works — UK, part of the Scape National Construction framework. The framework has been designed to deliver significant levels of local economic engagement, ongoing apprenticeship schemes and extensive community initiatives — such as that provided by Wates.