Schoolchildren getting their hands dirty Pupils at Bridgemary School in Gosport have been learning a trade as part of a skills workshop led by Kier in conjunction with Portsmouth Education Business Partnership (EBP).

The day-long course primarily gave pupils the chance to get their hands dirty and learn how to brick lay, supervised on the day by Kier multi-traders Bob Chapman and Mike Vince, who also provided ‘skills of the building trade’ demonstrations.

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The annual event is designed to encourage Year 9 pupils to work in teams to develop communication skills in preparation for beginning their GCSE studies in Year 10. Local colleges and businesses were also on hand, supporting the event by providing advice to pupils on course options available to them after their GCSEs. Businesses, including Kier, were also able to provide advice on work-life skills future employers would look for, such as teamwork, leadership and communication.

Kier contract manager, Sue Widdowson, commented: "Part of our corporate responsibility is to give back to the community and help with local projects and we’re always eager to help in any way we can. Throughout our contracts we are keen to make a positive contribution to local communities and we’re delighted to have helped show these pupils some of the opportunities which lie ahead of them."

(CD/GK)