Bug Hotel project inspires Monmouthshire pupils to explore careers in construction

This National Careers Week (w/c 08 March), pupils at Castle Park Primary School in Monmouthshire have received an educational visit from local homebuilder, Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales ― to learn more about careers in construction.

Senior planner for Barratt Developments, Francesca Evans and senior site manager at Nant Y Castell, Kurt Patterson, visited the pupils to share their knowledge of the industry and to set the children a very special practical task.

Following a session about the wide-ranging jobs and responsibilities on offer within the construction industry, the pupils were challenged to build a large-scale bug hotel for the school — using surplus materials donated from nearby developments.

Not only will the permanent bug hotel encourage wildlife to the school premises ― but its construction will allow the pupils to put the roles they learnt about into practice.

For example, some of the pupils will take on the role of an architect, designing the bug hotel, while others take on more practical roles, such as building and decorating.

Upon visiting the school, Francesca Evans said: “The main message we wanted to convey today was that careers in construction can offer a huge range of different roles and responsibilities.

“There’s an especially common misconception that construction-based careers are only for men ― when in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For that reason, I can’t think of a better day to speak to the children at Castle Park Primary School than today — International Women’s Day!

“I began my career with Barratt around three years ago, with a degree and experience in local planning. And many of my male and female colleagues who aren’t educated to degree level have also proceeded to enjoy a successful career in construction with Barratt Developments South Wales.

“The company also offers apprenticeship schemes at both higher education and degree level across the construction, quantity surveying, technical and real estate side of the industry ― making careers in construction more accessible than ever before.”

Mr Tom Cleverley, teacher at Castle Park Primary School said: “Today’s session was inspiring for our pupils — allowing them to learn about careers which are not only available to anyone and everyone, but that also span a range of different positions.

“For instance, the prospect of a job in architecture is now something which lots of our pupils are excited by and might wish to enact in the building of the bug hotel ― and at such a young age, being aware of these varied opportunities and the skills they entail will only broaden their horizons.”

The local developer also donated 200 copies of its ‘We Can Build’ book to the school in time for World Book Day (03 March) and International Women’s Day (08 March) ― detailing the various roles in the industry, with women leading from the front.

It’s no secret that in the past, the construction industry has been largely dominated by men, ― but women in construction is slowly becoming more normalized thanks to equal opportunity employers like Barratt Developments. And as more women join the industry, it is hoped it will encourage future generations to follow in the footsteps of women like Francesca.

To find out more about career opportunities at Barratt Developments South Wales, please visit: https://www.barrattcareers.co.uk/locations/south-wales

For further information about Barratt Developments’ apprenticeship schemes, please visit: https://bit.ly/35HTXLS