Esh Construction has formally opened its Interactive Learning Zone within Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley Theme Park, marking a new phase in its social value work across Yorkshire.

The launch event was attended by key client partners from YORhub and representatives of local councils.

As the first employer partner to join Skills Street, the North of England contractor has brought together its award-winning employability and careers programmes—Stay Safe, Get into STEM, and Construction in the Curriculum - into one immersive setting designed to showcase the breadth of roles across the sector.

Skills Street, created by Gulliver's Valley Theme Parks in collaboration with The Work-wise Foundation, offers an innovative, hands-on careers experience aimed at children, young people and adults from Yorkshire and beyond.

Since a soft opening six weeks ago, more than 1,500 students have explored Esh's Interactive Learning Zone, taking part in practical tasks, interactive challenges and real-world scenarios that highlight different aspects of construction.

Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager at Esh Construction, said: "It's fantastic to have a home for all our programmes, especially given the great work we do locally through our social value schemes. This space brings together everything we stand for – engaging, inspiring, and informing the next generation about the breadth of opportunities in construction. It's not just about what we do here, but about the wider impact we can have when we work together with partners like YORhub, Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council."

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The new space includes Dudley's Site Cabin, where visitors can dress like construction workers and learn about site safety; the Esh Living Site, which tasks teams with building to client specifications; and the Retrofit Tri Station, which brings sustainable technologies to life through interactive science activities. An immersive technology sand pit is also used for planning river embankments.

Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive at Esh, added: "Our social value and design teams have worked tirelessly with key stakeholders since 2022 to bring our Interactive Learning Zone to life. It is a proud day for the business to be officially launching this space, which showcases Esh’s commitment to inspiring young people to consider a career in construction from an early age. It’s not just about what we do here, but about the wider impact we can have when we work together with partners like YORhub and local authorities."

Across the wider Skills Street offer, more than 1,600 school-aged learners from 49 schools have taken part during the first six weeks.

James Beighton, Business Development Manager at Skills Street, said: "Construction is such a critical industry for our economy with increasingly pressing skills needs. We are delighted to partner with Esh to showcase the breadth of opportunity across the built environment, introducing young people at an earlier age to job roles and practical skills that look beyond the obvious.

"Visitors are placed into real life scenarios linked to Esh projects and leave the space with a broad view on construction and its relevance to classroom learning. Most importantly, we are working collaboratively to inform a better prepared workforce whilst inspiring our next generation one skill at a time."

YORhub, whose member councils have supported the development of Skills Street, also welcomed the opening as a boost to sector skills and career awareness.