Project Description
Industry/Sector: Construction / Manufacturing
Activity Name: DYW Employability and Enterprise
Activity Type: Entrepreneurship / Skills Development
Businesses Involved: BAM Construction
Name of School: Inverkeithing High School
Project Overview
A group of 16 of our S4 students interested in a career in construction have been researching, designing and creating their own chopping boards, coasters and candle holders to sell at our annual SLP Christmas Fayre. The pupils have taken inspiration from their ongoing work placement with BAM at Caledonia High School where they have participated in workshops led by a range of construction industry representatives – this includes joiners, architects, designers and engineers. The students have gained experience handling tools and learning about safety in the workplace. These skills have been transferred to their Enterprise project where they have been handling equipment, following health and safety measures and practicing time management and quality assurance.
Intended Outcomes:
To inform pupils of the range of career paths in the construction industry.
To provide pupils with practical insights into handling tools, managing a project under time constraints and pricing their product for a suitable buyer.
Enhancing entrepreneurial and enterprise skills and attitudes.
Offering the students real-world practical experience.
Celebrating achievement and building the pupil’s CVs through practical experience.
Partners and Businesses Involved
- BAM- Advocate for promoting construction careers among young people. BAM have hosted a range of employers at their workshops from all areas of construction. As well as taking pupil on regular tours of the construction site, they have also led CV and interview sessions for our young people.
Event Outcomes
Research and Environmental Responsibilities – Students learned about eco-friendly and cost-effective materials.
Health and Safety Responsibilities in the workplace – During their placement and during their workshop time, students were practicing health and safety standards, using appropriate PPE and safety equipment.
Technology and Construction – Students were introduced to suitable tools. During their placement, pupils were taught how to handle equipment and tools such as drills, nail guns, sanders and glue. This practical knowledge was used to construct their own designs.
Quality Assurance and Marketing – Pupils learned how to inspect each other’s products to assure they were ready for the marketplace. They priced their product fairly to ensure a profit was made.
Presentation – The pupils set up their own stall at the school Christmas Fayre to sell their products – demonstrating confidence, pride and achievement.
Feedback
‘I enjoyed making the chopping boards and getting to use tools in the workshop. I can’t believe we sold out so quickly’ – S4 pupil
‘I got a lot out of the CV session. It made me want to do another workshop with BAM and get into the construction industry. I’d like to become a joiner.’ Ethan S4