Primary school pupils from the Thorpe Primary School in Netherton, part of Peterborough Keys Academies Trust (PKAT) were introduced to professionals from GRAHAM to learn about opportunities in the construction industry. 

Lynsey Harris, from GRAHAM, gave an overview of the employment opportunities to Year 4 and Year 5 children, covering disability, neurodiversity and equality and also told them about construction site safety.

All the children enjoyed wearing high-viz jackets and carrying out practical construction activities, which allowed them to use different resources to create structures including how to build a structure to hold 500ml of water using only lolly sticks and pegs.

Peterborough Matters: Pupils from Thorpe Primary School had lessons in construction.Pupils from Thorpe Primary School had lessons in construction. (Image: PKAT)

 

 

Afterwards the children had the opportunity to design their own hi viz and create their own company name complementing their DT studies covering textiles.   

Emma Anderson, headteacher of Thorpe Primary School, said: “I’m delighted that children had an opportunity to work with GRAHAM Civil Engineering giving them an early insight into career pathways in science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM).  

"The children loved working collaboratively with their challenge and were thoroughly engaged.  

"The addition of a fantastic new train in our nursery, made from pallets donated by GRAHAM, is an excellent bonus from this community project.  We’d like to thank the GRAHAM team for this positive and fun experience for our pupils.”

GRAHAM office manager, Lynsey Harris, said: “I was delighted to have led the four STEM activity, construction, and safety presentations with Thorpe Primary School, a local school close to our scheme at the A47 Longthorpe Bridge Replacement. 

“It was a fantastic opportunity to bring GRAHAM to the forefront of the visit and express the variety of careers available in the construction industry. In addition to this, representing women in construction is invaluable and I hope all the children have taken away something positive from the visits.”