Future construction workers will be given unrivalled insights into day-to-day life in the industry as part of a scheme kicking off today.
Open Doors will give the next generation of building professionals the chance to visit 130 top construction sites up and down the country.
The scheme, a joint initiative between the CITB and Build UK, was launched today by TV star – and former builder – Jon Clark.
Jon, who has starred in the likes of The Only Way Is Essex and Love Island, made his mark in the construction industry while working on site with his dad’s firm.
He launched the scheme during an event held at Summit House, a low-carbon office block in the heart of the City of London being refitted by Willmott Dixon.
Running until Saturday June 18, Open Doors will allow thousands of people to get behind-the-scenes access to some of the most prestigious construction sites in England, Scotland and Wales.
These include London’s new Design Museum and a Proton Beam Therapy Centre in Manchester.
In addition, visitors will also be welcomed to a children’s hospital in Edinburgh and Y Pant, a state-of-the-art school and sports facility in south Wales.
It comes after research from the CITB showed that as many as 230,000 new jobs will be created in UK construction over the next five years.
According to data in the Construction Skills Network report, job creation in the building sector will be driven by exciting projects such as the £200m X1 Media City in Salford Quays and the £500m redevelopment of Birmingham City Centre.
Jon said: “I used to love working with my dad, and it’s great to be back on site today. Construction is a brilliant industry to be in. People should get down to an Open Doors site this week and get inspired to start a career in construction.”
Anyone taking part in the event is also being urged to share their experiences on Twitter using #opendoors16.
More information on working in the construction sector can also be found by visiting GoConstruct.
Lorraine Gregory, CITB Partnerships Manager, said: “Open Doors is an excellent way of inspiring more people to consider a career in construction. It is a great opportunity to showcase how rewarding a career in the sector can be.”
Suzannah Nichol, Build UK Chief Executive, said: “I joined the industry after a visit to a local construction site and hopefully Open Doors can get even more young people and others looking for something new to get involved in one of the many careers we have to offer.
“Construction is a great place to be and the buzz onsite is infectious. We can’t wait for Open Doors visitors to feel that same buzz and see what the industry is all about.”
