Students are making it in Sheffield

Students engaged in the Made in Sheffield initiative visited one of Sheffield Housing Company’s development sites to learn about career opportunities in construction.

The pupils, from Fir Vale School, went to Cutler's View at Norfolk Park to see how new homes are being built for local people by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC).

As well as meeting and observing the team at work, under the watchful eye of site manager Karl Shaw and safety advisor Caroline Haslam, they got the opportunity to try their hands at brick laying.

Hamza Hussain said:  “There was a presentation at the beginning of the morning that gave us a clear understanding of how a construction company works.  We were given a tour around the office and got the chance to speak to the different people that work there.  We also saw the biggest printer I have ever seen that is used to print off the diagrams of each house.

“In the afternoon we went to Cutler's View where got the chance to see the different stages of houses being built.   Later on we also had the chance to build a brick wall.  I am now really interested in construction.”

The visit was arranged by Sarah Booth, Community Engagement and Investment Manager with Keepmoat, the construction partner in the SHC joint venture, which also includes Sheffield City Council and Great Places Housing Group.

She said:  “We are pleased to be supporters of Cutlers' Made in Sheffield, which not only illustrates the great craftsmanship still being demonstrated in the city but engages young people and helps them to plan a route into work, in order to continue to develop Sheffield's workforce and skills.

“It allows students to make informed decisions regarding their future career paths by providing the opportunity to get a real insight into the world of work in construction.  It was amazing to see them taking part, asking questions and enjoying themselves.” 

As well as visiting Cutler's View the party, all of whom have expressed an interest in construction and the built environment, spent time at Keepmoat's Wath offices.  Here they met directors, managers and employees such as draughtsmen, designers and planners to find out why they chose careers in construction and the opportunities on offer.

The idea was to demonstrate to the group that there are a whole variety of interesting and varied careers available in construction and in particular to encourage more women to get into this field, which reassuringly is evidenced by the number of girls who have signed up to this new strand of Made in Sheffield.

The initiative is employer led, and jointly delivered by Sheffield City Council Lifelong Learning and Skills Service and the Cutlers Company.  It links the heritage of the city and the prestigious ‘Made in Sheffield' brand, involves ten business sectors and includes a two year Ambassador programme.

This offers Ambassadors – who are young people - the chance to gain a skills passport while building personal confidence and motivation, career aspirations, awareness of the world of work and employability skills.  The passport shows what the individual has achieved and is signed off by a school represented business champion and the Master Cutler, to give the document credibility.