Building Futures: West Norfolk's Construction Masterclass for Aspiring Young Professionals

A West Norfolk Council-run programme inspiring young people to pursue careers in construction took place this month.

The masterclass, which took place over two weeks at the start of July and was organised by Boost West Norfolk, brought together 11 young people and provided them with skills vital for the construction industry, such as a first aid course.

This equipped attendees with vital life-saving skills such as CPR and defibrillator use.

The programme featured talks from local professionals in order to provide a better insight into career prospects within the industry.

Notable highlights included a guided visit to the council’s Florence Fields development site where the full build process, from initial groundworks to finished development, was showcased.

The week culminated in a practical session at the Conservatorium in Bircham Newton, which allowed young people to see how design concepts are transformed into reality, further deepening their understanding of the construction process.

Jo McKenzie-English, Skills Partnership Manager at Norfolk County Council, said: “The construction masterclass was such a brilliant opportunity for our BOOST participants to help raise their aspirations.

“It is fantastic to help young people build skills and experience that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities in West Norfolk.”

Ms McKenzie-English continued to say that, while all elements of the masterclass were important in order to gain a better understanding of the construction industry, the key element was helping participants gain their CSCS card.

This certification acts as widely recognised proof of competence for construction workers in the UK.

Initiatives such as this demonstrate the power of targeted skills development and creating tangible employment pathways for the young people of West Norfolk.

Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, added: “Boost offers essential support for young people in West Norfolk through our partnership with Norfolk County Council and with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“Projects like this play a crucial role in helping our young people develop skills, gain knowledge and receive valuable guidance.”

The Borough Council aim to continue this work with further masterclasses covering a wide range of sectors such as animal care, business administration and hair and beauty.