Constructing Careers: Hewett Academy Pupils Take the Controls in Demolition Simulator

Hewett Academy pupils recently had the opportunity to take part in a demolition workshop, complete with a talk about demolition and construction, and a chance to have a go on a demolition simulator! 

This initiative saw 6 groups of pupils from all year groups participating in the sessions, with around 60 pupils taking part in total during the day. On arrival, each group had a talk about construction and demolition from professionals at Kier, Anglian, and National Demolition Training Group (NDTG), showcasing how the industry works, and how they are currently working on site at Hewett Academy. Also covered was support and information around filling the skills gap in the built-environment, and routes pupils could take to enter these roles in the future. Maisie, currently in Y9, said

"It was very interesting because we got to experience something you usually don't get to at our age." 

The most exciting part of the day was the demolition simulator, where pupils took turns to practise their skills and gain an insight into what it is like to work on a machine in real life. This was similar to the ones currently on site at Hewett Academy, and different activities were available to pupils to choose from, including crushing rebar and controlling a digger to move dirt and debris.

Noah, in Y11, said

"It was a realistic experience which perfectly replicated using the real machinery - 10/10!" 

Solomon, in Y10, also said that the session was

“fun, interesting, amazing and a beautiful machine." 

This workshop was aimed at pupils who identified had previously named construction as one of the careers that they were interested in on a school questionnaire. 

Rob from Anglian Demolition who helped run the session, said “We were very proud to showcase our business and it was a pleasure to interact with the students. They had plenty of questions around the demolition process and potential careers in demolition and construction which is something that we all need to fill the skill gap in our industries.” 

Iain from National Demolition Training Group, said “Showcasing the opportunities in demolition, it’s very rewarding. School curriculums tend to be focused on what they’ll call “academic” subjects – but showing the students the opportunities,the skills and the smarts you can get from the industry, you see them get excited about new possibilities.” 

Max and Matt from Kier Construction, who were also involved in the presentation, said “It was a fantastic opportunity to speak and interact with the students to explain the wide range of opportunities and careers within the construction industry. It was also a brilliant chance to explain the works that we are pleased to be undertaking to deliver modern teaching facilities.” 

Principal Antony Little said: "We are so pleased to be working with Kier on a fantastic new school building, and it's great to see them wanted to engage with students in this way.  Students got so much out of understanding the complexity of a big project like building a new school."