National Careers Week brings together employers, educators and industry partners to help people explore career opportunities across different sectors.
This year, VGC supported several activities across the week, working with schools, training providers and employment partners to introduce students and jobseekers to careers in construction.
Construction offers a wide range of opportunities across engineering, project delivery and skilled trades. Engaging people early helps build awareness of these roles and supports the development of the industry’s future workforce.
VGC supports the construction industry by connecting skilled people with major infrastructure projects. Activities like National Careers Week help open conversations about how people can enter the sector and build long-term careers.
Supporting Students at Stantonbury School
On Monday 2 March, VGC supported client EKFB with an employability initiative for 120 Year 10 students at Stantonbury School in Milton Keynes.
Students were introduced to the project and the roles of the volunteers involved before taking part in a practical team exercise. Working in groups, they designed and built a 3D model of a sensory garden for a SEND primary school, planning layouts, considering materials and thinking about project costs.
The activity encouraged students to apply skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving while working with people they had not met before. Volunteers from across the industry supported the groups throughout the session.
The school shared positive feedback following the event:
“Thank you for working with Stantonbury School. You all put so much time and effort into developing an activity that would link to employability. Our students were able to develop their employability skills and it enabled them to grow as individuals working with unknown individuals.
The results of the gardens reflected our students’ creativity and ingenuity, using random supplies to create the look and furniture they wanted. This was really challenging for some of our students and you and your team supported some of our difficult to reach students brilliantly. Thanks again for all your time and support.”
Thanks to Becky Rowley, Kajal Parekh, Cruickshanks, and Lorraine
Encouraging Women to Explore Construction Roles
On Tuesday 3 March, VGC supported an event at The Skills Centre in Earls Court, organised by Lynch Plant, which encouraged more women to explore opportunities within the construction industry.
Attendees learned more about careers as plant operators and the training pathways available. Several participants had already completed their CSCS cards and were looking to build practical experience in plant operation.
Participants were also able to try operating equipment such as dumpers and rollers under supervision, giving them a hands-on introduction to the role.
The event also promoted upcoming training at The Skills Centre, including an intensive plant operator course beginning later in March.
Encouraging more women to enter construction helps broaden participation across the sector and strengthens the future workforce.
Thanks to Ruairi Coffey, Daniel Shelbourne, Olivia Ward, Sam Puddifoot, and The Skills Centre.
Engaging Over 1,000 Students in West London
On Wednesday 4 March, VGC supported the West London Partnership careers fair at Sacred Heart RC School in Hammersmith.
The event welcomed over 1,000 students from schools across the area, including Phoenix Academy, Fulham Boys School, St Paul’s Girls School, Christ’s School and Sacred Heart Girls School.
Organisations including Balfour Beatty, BBV, Roehampton University and the NHS also attended, giving students the opportunity to speak with employers and learn about different career pathways.
VGC spoke with students about the range of roles available in construction and the different routes into the industry, including apprenticeships, training programmes and entry-level roles.
Early engagement like this helps students understand how their interests and skills could translate into future careers.
Our Social Impact Advisor At the Earls Court Skills Centre, Fiona Dowling
Connecting with Students at the Bucks Skills Show
Also on Wednesday 4 March, Chris from VGC supported EKFB at the Bucks Skills Show in Stoke Mandeville, one of the region’s largest careers events.
The event welcomed thousands of students and visitors exploring potential career pathways across engineering, construction and infrastructure.
EKFB and its partners hosted an interactive stand featuring careers advice, demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to introduce attendees to the skills involved in major infrastructure projects.
VGC joined colleagues from across the supply chain to speak with students and visitors about opportunities within the construction industry and the different routes available to start a career in the sector.
Joining EKFB at the Bucks Skills Show
Supporting Jobseekers at the Slough Careers Fair
On Thursday 5 March, VGC attended a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) careers fair in Slough, engaging with people interested in entering the construction industry or returning to work after a career break.
The event brought together organisations including Gement, Cidori and Laing O’Rourke, providing an opportunity for attendees to learn more about construction roles and the qualifications needed to enter the sector.
Many conversations focused on practical steps people can take to start or return to a career in construction, including gaining the right certifications and accessing training opportunities.
Thanks to Gement, Izzy Segarra (DWP), Abbey Temlett (Cidori), and Laing O’Rourke.
Learn More About Careers in Construction
If you are interested in careers in construction or would like to learn more about opportunities in the industry, contact VGC or visit the VGC News page to explore more updates.
