Briefly describe the goal that led your organisation to EBP South.
As older colleagues retire and the technologies and methodologies used change, it’s essential for the construction industry to engage with those who could be the next generation of engineers. Being able to show pupils the wide range of careers available to them is invaluable and this gives us a great platform to reach that audience.
In addition, many of our projects have an intrusive impact on local communities, and we aim to give back where we can. When wanting to get involved with local schools, we find that the school and career engagement opportunities offered by EBP South seem tailor-made for our aspirations.
Why did you choose to work with EBP South?
Reaching local schools to start a conversation can be problematic. From finding the right tone to identifying the best times within the curriculum, connecting what fits best can be challenging to say the least. Even then, planning an event and organising can be time-and resource-consuming. Where EBP South organises and manages events tailored to meet the needs of the particular school and gives attendees a clear brief, reaching those schools and having those conversations becomes much simpler.
What actions/activities have taken place with EBP South to reach your goal?
Our local projects have been getting involved in many of the activities on the EBP South calendar. Opportunities to engage with schools have included careers fairs, STEM days, career interviews, and speed networking.
The opportunity to speak with other attendees and exhibitors at these events provides useful conversations and good networking connections.
“I have attended many of EBP South’s events over the last couple of years and enjoyed them all. Engaging with the pupils and teachers and working with the team has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not something I expected to do but now am comfortable sharing my experiences and offering guidance to pupils – personal growth where I wasn’t expecting it – thanks to the EBP South team.”
Alex Skinner (VolkerFitzpatrick – Community and Communications Manager)
What has been the most valuable aspect of working with EBP South, and why?
Engaging with enquiring young minds cannot be understated. From a company and industry perspective, we are actively engaging with those who will drive construction in the future. It’s clear that many pupils were not expecting the industry to have such a wide range of careers that they could pursue and it’s important to us to make their options clear and easy. EBP South have enabled us to reach this potential audience as well as making connections with the local schools and colleges.
Would you recommend that others work with us, and if so, why?
Yes.
If you have the slightest interest in working with schools and supporting the next generation, get involved. EBP South have a great team who are always supportive and make the whole process effortless.
“EBP South has given VolkerFitzpatrick a fantastic platform to engage with young people and raise awareness of the many rewarding careers available within construction. Their proactive approach, clear calendar of events, and excellent communication make it easy for us to get involved. The post-event impact reports provide valuable insight into the outcomes achieved and the positive influence we are having on students’ career aspirations.”
Calvin Howe (VolkerFitzpatrick – Senior Stakeholder and Social Value Manager)
What call to action would you give to other organisations considering working with EBP South?
Every event is different – all are great – and we strongly recommend getting involved to find out which ones best suit your needs and interests. As our main aims are giving back to the community and encouraging young people into engineering and other STEM subjects, these events tick the boxes for us and are definitely worthwhile.
