Plymouth youth construction fair a mammoth success for housebuilders

Local developers were the proud headline sponsors of Building Plymouth’s “Mission Mammoth STEAMFest” that aimed to inspire and engage primary school children with the world of construction and the built environment.

Persimmon Cornwall & West Devon’ Sales Director Jane Cartwright delivered the opening address, while the company also had apprentices Emily Baker, Kieran Hudson, David Mears and Thomas Elkington in attendance to engage with the approximately 110 attendees.

The Persimmon team handed out copies of their Cones and Building Homes book to the children that attended and apprentices supported children in their activities on the day.

Hosted in partnership with The Box and Arts University Plymouth, Mission Mammoth STEAMFest is designed to offer the children an exciting experience of hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) activities, whilst also promoting the careers involved and raising aspirations for undertaking these critical subjects. Over 70 construction industry professionals volunteered their time across the week with four different activities delivered each day.

Andy Wallis, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon Regional Apprenticeship Manager, who was also at the event, said: “Persimmon prides itself on being a company that builds communities, not just houses, which is why we were delighted to sponsor the Mission Mammoth event, a fantastic partnership event that engaged local children in Plymouth.

“We also understand that as one of Plymouth’s leading developers, there is a responsibility on us to get the next generation interested in building the homes of the future so that, as we are constructing houses for families now, they will be able to do the same when they’re older.

“We were so pleased that the event was such a mammoth success and it was special to see our apprentices helping out the children with their activities, passing down their skills to the next cohort of builders.”

Speaking at Monday’s launch event, Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, commented: “This is a brilliant opportunity for raising the aspirations of our children and to make the vital subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics exciting and vibrant, showing how they really apply in the world of problem solving.

“Huge thanks to the local construction industry for their commitment and generosity in investing time and money into delivering this free, fun action packed week. I am so impressed by the insights that Mission Mammoth STEAMFest presents in showcasing a breadth of careers to enthuse our future budding architects, engineers and creatives.”