Building Bridges with Holmfirth School

Generating almost £90 billion annually, the construction sector accounts for approximately 6% of UK GDP. Although employing over 2.9 million people, the industry is experiencing the worst skills crisis in recent history.

The industry’s skills shortage has a significant impact on the industry’s ability to progress and grow.

The event held at Holmfirth Junior Infant & Nursery School, organised by Cairn Cross Civil Engineering, CECA Yorkshire and The Humber and the Civils Training Group, required students to provide relief work following a flood in Holmfirth.

Around 70 Pupils from year five & year six were acting as relief workers, and the scenario required them to rebuild a cable-stayed bridge, a bailey bridge and a water pipeline & aqueducts. Additionally, the pupils needed to build shelters that were watertight & could withstand bear attacks!

Mark Roper, Executive Director with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, said that activities like the one held today were essential for the industry. “The construction industry faces an acute skills shortage as we look forward to vital infrastructure projects such as HS2 coming to our region. It is important that children can see the number of really exciting opportunities that our industry can offer”.

Julian Rose, Headteacher at Holmfirth Junior Infant & Nursery School, said: “As we come toward the end of a very busy school year, it is great that our year five & six children can spend a day working outdoors learning the values of leadership, teamwork & communication, all key skills that will benefit them in the years ahead”.