On Monday 11th September, we welcomed a team from the construction company Wilmot Dixon for a workshop with students from Year 10. On arrival, the girls were asked to share their thoughts about the construction industry. From muddy boots, to cement, diggers and not forgetting the infamous Bob the Builder we moved on to tasks to help dispel those industry stereotypes.
The girls split into five groups and had the opportunity to get an authentic insight into the different roles from the construction industry. Working with key experts from quantity surveyors, estimators, design managers, build managers to mechanical and electrical engineers, the girls were able to hear about their career history and to ask questions as well as rising to the challenge working on real life current building projects. It was wonderful to witness the girls’ realisation about how what they had learnt in their classroom subjects of maths, science and technology could be applied to the work setting. From calculating the cost of materials to build a ‘super school’, to using 3D goggles to help clients visualise the final project they ended the day with the ‘Team Model Build’ challenge. This saw the girls taking on the roles they had learnt about in the morning and applying them to a construction challenge. The teamwork and competitive element was very evident whilst each team worked together to complete their project on budget.
From their feedback, it was good to hear that the girls felt inspired and had enjoyed the day and for some an interest had been ignited to find out more about a career path in construction. For me as an educator, I wanted to invoke passion and excitement and encourage involvement within STEM-related subjects - introducing girls to an exciting industry while decisions and paths are still being formulated with regards their future careers. It was a delight to work with our girls and to witness the energy, drive and commitment they have to taking on challenges and to be open to new experiences. The future is indeed bright!
