As the construction industry looks to adopt more sustainable practices, Give Construction a Try 2025 showcased the range of green careers available to young people across the Wakefield district.

Over 200 pupils from local schools took part in the event, which included sustainable-themed sessions such as a low carbon Lego house challenge, site planning for sustainability, carbon literature and more.

Held at Castleford College, the event was formally opened by Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and Nick Corrigan, Director at Willmott Dixon, who was the headline sponsor of the event.

Nick spoke about the endless opportunities which are available within the construction industry and how young people are the key to closing the skills gaps within the sector.

Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said:

“Give Construction a Try has grown and evolved substantially over the years and it’s amazing to see so many young people from our local communities engaging in the event. This year, we wanted to paint a realistic picture of what the future of the construction industry will look like and the type of career paths available to the next generation of the workforce - with green skills and green jobs at the forefront.”

In addition to the sustainable workshops, pupils from Airedale Academy, Barlby High, Carleton High School, Castleford Academy, Crofton Academy, City Fields and Freeston High School, De Lacy Academy, Evolve Academy, Kettlethorpe High School, Kirkwood Academy, Minsthorpe Community College and St Thomas à Becket, got to explore bricklaying, building information modelling, carpentry and joinery, clay tiling, electrical, plumbing, roofing surveying and more.

Alfie, a pupil from Woodkirk Academy, said:

“The day was exciting and the activities were all hands-on, which is a good way to learn. I wanted to become a mechanic in the future, but after the event and hearing about all the different job titles and career paths on offer, I’m more drawn towards construction.”

Alongside the College’s Construction Department, interactive sessions were also held by Willmott Dixon, Balfour Beatty plc, Building Futures Together C.I.C, Caddick Construction Limited, Hargreaves Industrial Services (HK) Ltd, I&G, Kier Construction, KOREC Group, Marlborough Brickwork, Meldrums, Milestone, Morgan Sindall Construction, National Grid, Omexom, Potter Plant Hire, Promoting Construction West Yorkshire, Robertson Group, Sigma, Speedy Hire, The Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Tri-Tech, WDH, Wienerberger BG and YIRTG.

Pupil taking part in Omexom’s Virtual Reality session

Sarah Hopkinson, Director of CIC Give Construction a Try and Head of Social Value, Equans P&C North, said:

“It was a privilege to be involved in such a fantastic event. A highlight for me this year was the number of positive female role models from the sector supporting and the significant increase in girls attending. We are not only addressing the skills gap in the industry but also the gender balance.”

Give Construction a Try was set up to inspire young people in West Yorkshire to consider a career in construction and raise awareness of the diverse range of roles and opportunities the industry has to offer.

This comes as the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group celebrates Sustainability Week and the Association of Colleges' National Green Week, showcasing the work its Colleges are doing to promote sustainability and tackle climate change.