Going behind the scenes of Plymouth’s construction sites
Key national and regional construction contractors are opening major construction sites across Plymouth in March 2017.
As part of the national Open Doors campaign delivered by Build UK in partnership with CITB, the Council led Building Plymouth partnership is offering a unique chance for local people to see behind the scenes at six major ‘live’ construction sites.
Aiming to inspire young people, career changers and job seekers to join the industry, as well as engaging with local residents, Open Doors will showcase how the various buildings and structures are constructed, and the diverse range of skills and professions needed on site to deliver these projects.
Council Leader Ian Bowyer said: “I am delighted that our Building Plymouth partnership has co-ordinated such an impressive line-up of construction sites opening for local people to visit to find out more about the jobs being created through the major developments across the city.”
As part of Plymouth’s week long programme, Willmott Dixon will be showcasing the £21M History Centre project which will transform the city’s current museum, art gallery, library and adjacent church into a cutting-edge, interactive history centre three times its existing size.
Marie-claire Overton, Communications Manager from Willmott Dixon said: “Willmott Dixon actively supports Open Doors as an initiative across Wales and the West, in fact almost one third of Open Doors sites in the region are ours! The construction industry needs skills from across different sectors and offers exciting opportunities to both young people and those wishing to change careers. Open Doors is a unique glimpse into our construction sites, and more importantly a chance to ask Willmott Dixon people, what’s it all about and is this for me?”
Midas Construction will be opening the first phase of Oceansgate on the southern edge of Devonport Dockyard where the £4M new office and industrial space is under construction.
Michelle Cole, Community Engagement Manager for the Midas Group said: “Supporting Open Doors is part of the company’s commitment to supporting the communities it works within. Initiatives like Open Doors help young people understand that the construction industry offers a wide range of fantastic career options and there are lots of great job opportunities available.”
Kier Construction will host visits to the new £13M Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) at City College Plymouth.
Theresa Burkat, Business Development Manager at Kier Construction said: “Open Doors enable access to a real life experience of a construction site in progress and is an important part of our strategy to educate and inspire local people about the career opportunities in construction.”
The Gilpin Demolition Group will also be hosting an opening at their Buckfastleigh HQ specifically focused on attracting military service leavers to the demolition and environmental services sector.
Paul Nicholls, Commercial Director at the Gilpin Demolition Group said: “We are proud to be supporting Building Plymouth’s Open Doors week. This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the demolition industry, offering alternative avenues to construction. During the visit individuals will receive information on the type of roles within the Group, and the training required to fulfil those roles. The Gilpin Demolition Group proudly supports ex-service personnel, understanding the transferable skills they hold, and their capability to deliver when required. Events such as this only strengthen the link to potential employees, and further close the gap on our skills shortage within the South West.”
Morgan Sindall will open the doors to the £7.5M student accommodation block at the Royal Eye Infirmary site in Mutley Plain.
House builders GallifordTry will be opening the development of the new Southway Campus of new build affordable houses.
Andrew Johnston, Managing Director at GallifordTry said: “Open Doors is a fantastic initiative which can help tackle the Skills shortage. GallifordTry have launched a Skills Academy, an onsite training facility, created to improve the future skills of all ages in the local community. By opening the doors to the industry we can demonstrate the huge impact on the economy and the community and we are delighted to share this with our visitors on Friday 31st March.”
The Building Plymouth Open Doors programme takes place Monday-Friday, week commencing 27 March 2017:
Monday 27 March – Gilpin Demolition, 10:00-12:00
Tuesday 28 March – History Centre, 10:30 and 15:00
Wednesday 29 March – Oceansgate, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00
Thursday 30 March – STEM Centre, 10:00 and 12:00
Friday 31 March – Royal Eye Infirmary, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00
Friday 31 March – Southway Campus, 10:00 and 14:00
To find out more and to book a single place or for a group booking email building.plymouth@plymouth.gov.uk
For more information visit www.buildingplymouth.co.uk
