Experts from pumping solutions provider Selwood were among the mentors at an action-packed event aimed at getting young people inspired about careers in the construction industry.
The I-Construct event, supported by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and held at Fareham College’s Civil Engineering Training Centre, brought together leaders from construction and civil engineering businesses with students from Year 7 up to Year 11.
The young people were given the scenario that a new Nightingale Hospital needed to be built in an emergency because sinkholes had appeared on the existing hospital grounds.
They were tasked with interviewing representatives from businesses involved at each stage of the building project before presenting their findings to a panel of experts.
Selwood’s Managing Director of Selwood Pump Rental Solutions, John Lovell, was on hand to answer questions about the pumping operation which would be needed to divert groundwater and river water away from the construction site.
John also judged the Most Informative Presentation Award, sponsored by Selwood, for the team which presented credible information in an interesting and engaging way.
John said: “As industry leaders we were delighted to support this event, which reflects our own efforts in providing opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to get into construction and engineering businesses.
“All the students involved were enthusiastic, bright, and willing to learn and it was hard to choose a winner. It was a joy to be involved in such an important event aimed at increasing the talent pipeline in our industry and helping to create a strong, diverse workforce of the future.”
I-Construct is part-funded through the European Development Fund and HM Government, with a mission to unite like-minded businesses and attract new talent across the construction industry.