A successful programme inspiring local young people to pursue careers in construction took place over two weeks at the start of July.
A dynamic Construction Masterclass, organised by Boost West Norfolk, brought together young people aged 16-30 from the area and provided them with vital skills and insights to kick-start careers in the construction industry.
The masterclass aimed to inspire those not currently in education, employment, or training, opening pathways to a brighter future through practical training and industry exposure.
Participants engaged in comprehensive sessions covering construction site safety, giving them valuable knowledge on how to work securely within a construction environment. The programme also included a First Aid course, equipping attendees with essential lifesaving skills such as CPR and defibrillator use: capabilities that can make a critical difference in emergencies.
Jo McKenzie-English, Skills Partnership Manager at Norfolk County Council, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative: “This was the first time we have tried a multi-angle approach to our programme, the Construction Masterclass was such a brilliant opportunity for our BOOST participants to help raise their aspirations. It’s fantastic to help young people build skills and experience that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities in West Norfolk.”
“Eleven young people took part in the construction masterclass, attending sessions that were needed or relevant. All elements were important to help participants gain a better understanding of the construction industry, but the key element was to help participants gain their CSCS card – widely recognised proof of competence for construction workers in the UK.”
“I’d like to thank our partners who helped make this masterclass such an interesting, engaging and successful experience for our participants. We are aiming to continue to work this way in the coming months and we are aiming to cover lots of different sectors including Animal Care, Business Administration, Hair and Beauty to name a few!”
The programme featured talks from local employers, providing participants with an inside perspective on career prospects within the region’s thriving construction sector. A notable highlight was a guided visit to the Borough Council’s Florence Fields development site, where Lovell showcased the full build process—from initial groundworks to finished development—giving young people invaluable firsthand insight into modern construction practices and the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals.
The week culminated at the Conservatorium in Bircham Newton, where participants translated their theoretical knowledge into practical experience. This hands-on session allowed young people to see how design concepts are transformed into reality, deepening their understanding of the construction process.
Cllr Jo Rust Cabinet Member for People and Communities at the Borough Council, commented: “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. Boost continues to develop a range of engagement and support activities for young people, raising aspirations and promoting accessible support activities, specialist training provision and employment opportunities.”
This initiative is part of Boost West Norfolk’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people into meaningful careers and providing accessible opportunities for skills development. The programme exemplifies the partnership’s dedication to nurturing local talent and strengthening its future workforce.
Course Highlights:
- Employability session facilitated by Pilot
- Emergency First Aid training facilitated by Norvic Training
- Construction industry career talk by Mace
- Site visit to Lovell’s housing development project at Florence Fields
- Visit to Transport for London’s Constructionarium site
- CSCS site safety training day – 10 attendees, all passed and are awaiting second test
The Boost West Norfolk Construction Masterclass demonstrates the power of targeted skills development in creating tangible employment pathways for local youth.
Find out more and see what other projects are taking place – Boost | Boost | Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
