Risedale School's Year 10 and 11 pupils with their sights set on Engineering or Construction got a head start this half-term holiday, thanks to a unique collaboration with Amey, a leading provider of engineering, operations, and decarbonisation solutions for UK transport infrastructure and complex facilities. The "Building a Sustainable Home Project" gave the pupils a thrilling glimpse into the world of green jobs and the skills needed to thrive in this fast-growing sector.

The project wasn't just about hammering and building, it was also about understanding the impact of sustainable practices in construction and engineering. Green jobs are about being employed to do a job that contributes to protecting or restoring the environment, including those that mitigate or adapt to climate change (Office of National Statistics). It is predicted that this will become a fast-growing sector for skilled individuals by 2030.

Reflecting on the week of Work Experience, Year 10 pupil Nathanael Hall said, “All the activities and tasks that we took part in were really fun and engaging. After we completed the classroom work and got started on the teamwork activities for the project everything was really fast-paced and fun. I enjoyed learning lots of new leadership and team-building skills especially while working with friends and new people.”

Michelle Wiggins, Social Value Manager at Amey said, “The company and its associated partners were amazed at how hard the Risedale pupils worked with our staff. They came up with some really good ideas and insightful solutions for the project and worked in a mature way. Their presentations were very impressive.”

The dedicated group included Lennon Boila, Max Greaves, Nathanael Hall, Lucas Kirk, Keira Laver, Kalob McLoughlin, Reece Squire, Jay Stevens, Connor Wall and Jake Wills. Their participation in this project bodes well for their future, demonstrating their ambition and commitment to a sustainable future.

Risedale Careers Leader, Mrs Porritt, commended the hard work of the pupils by saying, “Well done and congratulations for all your hard work over the half-term break. I was so impressed with your commitment and dedication to the project. You were all a credit to the school.”

This collaborative effort between Risedale School and Amey showcases the positive impact of engaging young minds in practical, real-world learning experiences. It not only ignites their passion for green careers but also equips them with the necessary skills to become the eco-warriors of tomorrow.

For more Careers Education Information Advice Guidance (CEIAG) please visit our dedicated website page: Careers.