Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) provides young people in Slough with an opportunity to gain a valuable insight into a career in construction
Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) is offering Slough secondary school pupils the opportunity to become a developer for the day, through a series of ‘Build up your Business’ construction information advice and guidance enterprise days, running across Slough schools.
Last week (Wednesday 21st March), SUR completed its fifth enterprise day, which took place at Herschel Grammar School and was delivered to 128 year eight pupils. In total the activity has now reached 482 students across years eight, nine and 10. The other Slough schools, which have participated are: Westgate School, Wexham School, Ditton Park Academy and Beechwood School – with further events still to come.
The one-day events have been funded by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) and are delivered by the Central Berkshire Education Business Partnership. The initiative is designed to give young people an opportunity to learn about the various job roles that may be available to them within the construction industry, while participating in an interactive and fun-packed day of role play and problem solving.
The day’s activities are supported by volunteers, drawn from across the Morgan Sindall Group (SUR/Morgan Sindall Construction/Lovell) who attend the sessions to support the pupils, share their experiences and act as judges to the final presentations.
The ‘Build up your Business’ enterprise days, which aim to promote professional and managerial careers in the construction industry, are delivered across a whole year group. Students work in teams through a business simulation to develop a piece of land in Slough, construct a desktop building model and start a business idea. Students work together in a different and challenging environment, to solve problems and make choices, culminating in a finished project and presentation.
Ged Humphries, Community Benefits Employment & Skills Coordinator for SUR said: “We need to create more awareness and attract more talent into professional and managerial roles within our industry. This is a fantastic role play activity, which allows students to realise the importance of communication and teamwork, whilst providing a construction careers and enterprise learning opportunity”.
Mahwish Khushi, Lead Business Studies Teacher, Ditton Park Academy, added: “The Build up your Business challenge is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about the construction industry in context. The students get a real understanding of the different job opportunities available to them, especially for the girls and the actual building task is enjoyed by all students! Definitely one to book!”
The activity is suitable for whole or mixed year groups up to a maximum of 144 students from years 8-12. It can be delivered in the school hall or other large area where pupils can sit in teams of 12 around tables.
Further Slough secondary schools may be considered for funding for this activity via Slough Urban Renewal (SUR). For more information please contact ged.humphries@morgansindall.co.uk
For more information on delivery of this activity outside the Slough Borough contact: Beverley Graves, Central Berkshire EBP, beverley.graves@cbebp.co.uk
