Morgan Sindall leads construction skills programme for Essex schools

A new programme designed to introduce young people in Essex to construction careers has been launched at three schools in the county.

The five-year programme, called Building a Lasting Legacy, has been spearheaded by Morgan Sindall Construction in partnership with Essex County Council.

The project brings together multiple local stakeholders, including The Sandon School, The Boswells School, Hylands School, Chelmsford College, The Careers and Enterprise Company, Anglia Ruskin University, and 20 different suppliers and subcontractors.

Launch events were held at each school in January, featuring workshops to introduce 112 pupils to the construction industry. 

The programme will begin for pupils in Year 9 and continue over the next five years of their education. It will provide insight into construction careers as pupils begin choosing their GCSE topics and consider their upcoming work experience placement in Year 10. 

The programme’s first cohort will also learn about key aspects of the industry, such as low carbon design. 

Helen Clements, senior social value manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The Building a Lasting Legacy programme is very close to the hearts of Morgan Sindall’s Chelmsford-based team. 

“We know how vital the support and investment is that this programme unlocks for young people within our communities, as otherwise they may never know about the amazing construction-related opportunities available to them. 

“And what’s more, this programme will help make the county’s built environment sector even stronger, with a more highly skilled, engaged and diverse workforce than ever before.”

During the first year of the programme, pupils will receive an introduction to construction and participate in a mini workshop to design a sustainable school. 

They will also have the opportunity to visit building sites and attend workshops hosted by the programme’s business and education partners. 

Over the programme’s following four years, pupils will receive work experience opportunities as well as further information and support, especially to help them explore the post-16 and post-18 options available to them. 

Clements added: “The project is a fantastic showcase for the area’s collaborative spirit and energy, as so many people, organisations, and businesses have come together to make it a reality. 

“This is a real strength of the programme, as it puts so much information and access at the pupil’s fingertips. 

“We can’t wait to see how the first 112 students will progress on this journey, as they take their first steps in what may just be a life-long career in construction.”