An event has taken place in Sunderland to support local students with an interest in a construction industry career.

Sunderland College, Gentoo, Siglion and Sunderland Council were joined by ENGIE to support the event for the second year running.


Work Discovery Sunderland is an annual work experience event that shows how to engage young people with business, and how to encourage them to gain the skills to improve their employability. 


This year's Construction Sector Day was held on 05 March, with over 90 children from schools across Sunderland participating.


The day included a variety of visits and tours; a stop off at a Gentoo maintenance depot, giving the children an insight into how routine maintenance of around 29,000 properties in the city is managed; an opportunity to find out about ENGIE careers and apprenticeships and participate in a plastering and joinery workshop, plus a walk and talk tour of two Siglion construction sites.



Amy Porter, CSR Manager for ENGIE, said: "This is the second year we've been involved with this initiative and for me it's now a real highlight of the year.


"Work Discovery Sunderland is a fantastic opportunity for young people to better understand the world of work and get practical insight into the different trades and roles of the construction, property and built industry.


"As a business, ENGIE is focused on working with partners to improve the environment we live in. From providing the people, services and products that effect positive change in a community, to building, heating and powering the spaces that they can thrive in.


"We also want to impact and support the communities we work in and the people we work with, so are always looking to help people take their first steps into the regeneration and construction world."

(CM/MH)