Students from years 9 and 10 were provided with hands-on experience in bricklaying and carpentry. The event aimed to inspire and inform students about careers in the construction industry through practical activities and insights from industry professionals.
The carpentry group were tasked with building a mini house, with the session led by Adrian Boulter, health, safety and environment manager at Lovell, and Edd Newbold, director at EDN Carpentry & Kitchen Services. Edd was an apprentice at Lovell 17 years ago.
Adrian Boulter from Lovell, said: “The students at Acle Academy had a great time taking part in the activities and thank you to EDN Carpentry & Kitchen Services who helped provide materials and team members on the day. The hands-on approach allowed students to not only develop practical skills, but also gain an insight into construction. We were all impressed with the level of skill and professionalism the students showed and their enthusiasm on the day.”
Edd Newbold from EDN Carpentry & Kitchen Services, said: “This is our second year taking part in the carpentry day at Acle Academy and it is something as a business we love to be involved with. The industry needs
To encourage the younger generations into construction, and EDN Carpentry and Lovell are industry leaders in this. As a former Lovell apprentice, being involved in days like these gives me a sense of pride that the apprenticeship I did all those years ago has enabled me to go on to have my own business. I hope by being involved in the National Apprenticeship Week I can inspire the next generation who want a career in the industry, and show anything is possible if you work hard and keep focused.”
Lovell works in partnership with The Wensum Trust, with schools including Acle Academy, to tackle the skills and job shortage in the construction industry, whilst educating young people about the range of career opportunities in the sector. Two former Acle students, who went on to a Lovell apprenticeship, returned to their old classrooms to take part in the event.
Helen Watts, Principal of Acle Academy, said: “It was brilliant to see Alfie Tate and Alfie Walker, two former students, excelling in their sponsored Lovell apprenticeships and offering advice, support and inspiration to current Acle Academy students. Thank you to the Lovell team for the fantastic opportunity and a special mention to EDN Kitchen Installations & Carpentry Services who kindly donated ten panel saws to the Creative Industries faculty.”
Students from Acle Academy have also been on site visits to St Edmund’s Park at Acle, a Lovell development built in partnership with Repton Property Developments.
Team members from Lovell also attended a careers event at East Coast College on Thursday 8th February to speak to students about opportunities in construction.
Lovell is a partnership housing expert and a leading provider of innovative and high quality residential construction and regeneration developments across the UK, building homes, sourcing land and investing in communities. It is a trusted and reliable partner, with great people trusted to deliver great homes, developing long term partnerships with housing associations, local authorities and other partners for over 50 years.
For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow Lovell on social media.
