The Construction Innovation Hub and Class Of Your Own (COYO), supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), has released a new film, ‘Where it All Begins’ as part of a call on the construction industry to attract the next generation
The film offers an exciting view of the opportunities that the construction industry offers for young people by showcasing a young girl’s journey around her home city of Liverpool where she gets inspired by the buildings, transport environment, and technology she encounters.
It aims to challenge the misconceptions about careers within construction and encourage Gen Z and Gen Alpha – along with educators and parents – to consider a path to the industry.
Last month, the UK government set its new climate target for 2035, so there is an even greater imperative to attract STEM talent to secure the future of a decarbonised industry.
In March this year, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published the first sector-wide skills plan for construction, highlighting the importance of enhancing technical, digital and modern methods of construction skills across the sector and traditional competencies.
The industry is rich in opportunities for an incredibly diverse range of career-seekers – a message that for more than a decade COYO’s ‘Design, Engineer, Construct!’ (DEC) learning programme has shared with children and young people.
Fulfilling careers in the sector
Lucie Wright, careers strategy manager at CITB, said: “We know young people need role models from similar backgrounds to them to see a potential career path, and this video does just that.
“It provides compelling viewing of how a young person gains inspiration to explore their passion and engage with the industry.
“I’d love young people to watch this and be inspired to join us, and head to Go Construct if they want to find out more.”
Nicola Pearson, head of skills and knowledge exchange, for the Centre for Digital Built Britain and the Construction Innovation Hub, said: “Built environment organisations deliver, operate and maintain the buildings in which we live and work and the infrastructure which delivers services for us every day.
“We want to make young people, their parents and teachers aware of the interesting, challenging, and fulfilling careers in the sector.”
