Young people inspired by construction careers at Telford Together event
More than 20 Year 10 students from schools across Telford and Wrekin explored the wide range of careers in construction at the second Telford Together: Future Sparks event, held at The Quad.
The event brought together schools, employers and education partners, offering students interactive activities and real-world insights into the construction sector. Delivered as part of the Telford Together initiative, the day aimed to strengthen links between education and industry while helping young people better understand the opportunities available to them.
Students discovered that construction is about much more than traditional trades, with sessions highlighting roles in planning, architecture, project management, digital design and emerging technologies.
The event was supported by a range of partners and businesses including McPhillips, Lovell, Persimmon, Housing Plus Group, Telford College and teams from Telford & Wrekin Council, alongside education partners Harper Adams University and Telford College.
Telford Together supports businesses to engage meaningfully with schools, helping them deliver social value and build future talent pipelines, while also supporting schools to meet Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education.
The initiative also complements the Council’s Stay Near, Go Far campaign by showcasing the breadth of career, training and education opportunities available locally.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said: "It was fantastic to see so many young people engaging with local employers and discovering the wide range of opportunities available within the construction sector.
Events like Future Sparks are vital in helping our students understand the skills and pathways open to them, while also giving businesses the chance to inspire and shape their future workforce.
Through Telford Together, we are strengthening the connection between education and industry, ensuring our young people are informed, inspired and able to succeed here in Telford and Wrekin."
Following the success of previous Future Sparks events, Telford & Wrekin Council plans to expand the programme to other sectors, continuing to work with schools and businesses to meet skills needs and raise aspirations among young people.