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Developing the Young Workforce

Hutton Stone was approached by Sara Ward the Programme Manager for Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Borders, a Scotland wide project set up to build links between industry and education and get young people more ready for the world of work.

DYW Borders and pupils from Jedburgh Grammar School were working on a project with the aim of changing the perception of the construction industry and showcase the variety of jobs/opportunities/careers within it. Currently over 70% of parents would NOT encourage their children to work in the industry as they think it is a job that people resort to last … and we know that is not the case.

They looked at ways of how we can educate and go back to basics and the best way they felt was to create a video about the industry and jobs within it so young people and their parents/teachers/career advisers get a clear picture of why they should/could work in it.

Many local businesses signed up to take part and a local lad, 19 year old entrepreneur Ronald Yule, agreed to film. 22 fantastic people from 12 businesses over the course of 2 days including our Team here at Hutton Stone.

The filming took place over 2 days on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th August the DYW Team visited Hutton Stone where we answered questions written by the pupils at Jedburgh Grammar School about our company.

  1. Do you offer Apprenticeships?
  2. What made you decide to work in the construction industry?
  3. What would you do in an average day?
  4. What are the skills and qualities required for your job?
  5. How competitive is your job?
  6. How many females work within your company?
  7. Do you offer work placements/ experience?

Following filming the short clips were edited into a film of approximately 5 minutes long which was shared with all 9 local secondary schools as well as on social media platforms.

The 5 minutes with… Construction video was launched on Wednesday the 23rd January at the DYW Building Futures event, this event is designed to open young minds to the world of construction.