Thirteen sixth-form students with special educational needs have gained first-hand experience of construction careers during a visit to a live building site at Lambton Park.
The students attend Barbara Priestman Academy in Sunderland, a specialist school for children and young people with autism and complex learning difficulties.
As part of their Level 1 construction studies, they toured homes at different stages of development, from newly laid foundations to completed properties. They also learned about health and safety requirements and the range of jobs involved in housebuilding.
The visit was hosted by Bellway Durham at its Hedworths Green development. Head of Construction Daniel Ferguson guided the students around the site, while Head of Sales Lindsey Oliver showed them a completed showhome.
Construction teacher Aimee Patterson attended alongside teaching assistant David Pells and the school’s head of sixth form, Natalie Preece.
She said: “It was the first time this cohort of students have visited a real-life construction site and it was a really special experience for them. Due to health and safety restrictions it can be difficult for us to organise construction-related career visits so to be invited by Bellway to their Hedworths Green development was a real treat.
“It was great for the students to see the construction process in action step by step – from the first course of brickwork and the cavity walls, to the pipework and electrics and then the finished article. It really helped to reaffirm everything they have been learning in the classroom, especially the importance of health and safety which is extremely important.
“The students loved the experience. It made them feel like their knowledge was relevant and has inspired them to look into college courses, apprenticeships and other routes into the industry. We always have a strong cohort of students who are really practical and who would thrive in hands-on construction roles and be an asset to the industry.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to Bellway for giving us this opportunity. The team were so welcoming, kind and understanding and the students all felt right at home. The information was pitched just at the right level which helped to make the visit very informative and relevant to the course that the students are taking.”
The visit was intended to help students connect their classroom learning with practical work and consider possible next steps, including further education, apprenticeships and employment.
Lindsey Oliver, Head of Sales at Bellway Durham, said:
“At Bellway, we pride ourselves on our inclusive approach and this extends to our relationships with local schools and colleges. We appreciate the particular barriers that students with special educational needs can face when entering the world of work and passionately believe they should be given the opportunities to achieve their potential.
“The construction industry is facing a skills shortage so it’s absolutely crucial that we inspire as many young people as possible to pursue careers in the sector. It was wonderful to welcome the students from Barbara Priestman Academy to Hedworths Green and we thoroughly enjoyed showing them around the development. We hope the visit not only gave them a better understanding of the housebuilding process and the variety of job roles available in the sector but also provided valuable experience which will help them on the next stage of their career journeys.”
Hedworths Green is a 145-home development within the historic Lambton Estate.
