Trinity Academy, based in Benwell has the highest factors of deprivation in the city and NBS’s commitment to supporting local education enabled them to showcase what is on offer should the pupils choose a career in the industry.
NBS Chief Executive Richard Waterhouse said: "We aim to support local education, opening up minds to non-traditional routes and careers in construction and show how traditional and new digital construction roles fit together.
“Here at NBS we are passionate about people, a business isn’t a business without people and we know that people are what will keep progressing this sector in the North East, so we want to make sure we are part of shaping the future and create the best opportunities for the next generation."
It is crucial for the economic success of our region that we help our young people gain a greater understanding of the type of jobs on offer and work with them to acquire the necessary skills and training to ensure that they are fit and ready to enter employment.
Sean Bullick, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd
While visiting the NBS office students engaged with a range of activities including taking a quiz to see which construction profession they were most suited to, trialled some augmented reality apps and had their first introduction to the world of digital construction.
NE1 CAN initiative is a project created by NE1 to secure opportunities for young people to gain knowledge and expertise about careers to improve their skills, pursue their career path, with the aim of enabling young people to enter employment and contribute positively to the NE economy.
Sean Bullick, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: "This event is a fantastic example of how NE1 CAN works with businesses like NBS and McAleer Rushe to raise aspirations among young people. Business-led activities allow young people to gain knowledge, expertise and improve their skills within a real business environment. Today has given a true insight into the wide range of jobs available in the construction industry and how they work together. It will encourage and inspire them to think beyond the traditional hard hat roles when considering a career in construction."
"At NE1 we are in a unique position, with access to 1,400 business members, to provide this career insight across a range of industry sectors through the NE1 CAN programme. It is crucial for the economic success of our region that we help our young people gain a greater understanding of the type of jobs on offer and work with them to acquire the necessary skills and training to ensure that they are fit and ready to enter employment."
Main Image: Jane Hibbert (NBS), far left, with Karl Elliot (Trinity Academy) far right, and students.