A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy is helping to inspire children into construction by backing a new innovative pilot project in Essex.
Daniel Connal Partnership, with offices in Colchester, Norwich and London, is supporting Writtle Junior School in Writtle, Chelmsford, on their Junior Hard Hats initiative.
Born out of the school’s involvement in the Greenpower – Inspiring Engineers campaign, Junior Hard Hats aims to attract youngsters into construction by involving the students in all aspects of planning, designing and construction of a building as part of the school curriculum.
The plans involve an innovative Technology Learning Pod to be built in the school grounds as a pilot project for the charity, with future proposals to roll-out the concept nationwide.
The school children have been involved in the whole process including choosing the name of the charity, meeting with planners at the planning department, attending meetings with local Parish Councillors and having a say in the design of the building. Future activities will include pitching the scheme to sponsors, devising a marketing strategy, meeting with bankers, lawyers and industry professionals etc – all supported and mentored by the charity’s trustees.
DCP is providing health & safety advice and Construction Design Management (CDM) services on the project. The health and safety team delivered an H&S presentation to Year 6 children, which introduced them to the basics of CDM and site safety. They also provided hands-on first aid training, including the use of a defibrillator.
Jonathan Dennis, Partner, at Daniel Connal Partnership, said: “This is an extremely exciting project and one that we are thrilled to be involved in. Inspiring youngsters into construction by addressing the perception of the industry as dirty, dangerous, low paid and male dominated is extremely worthwhile. By doing so, we can hopefully introduce the idea of a career in the construction sector as a credible option for those who may not have considered it before.”
Headmaster Nick Taylor said: “This is a truly inspirational project that is capturing the imagination of all our children. It is opening doors to future careers and showing the power of a local community working together. We can’t thank the Daniel Connal Partnership enough for all of their support!”
The construction of the pod is currently underway.
