Construction and Engineering Week 2025 gets into full swing

Over three days, more than 1,500 schoolchildren aged between 10 and 18 will get a hands-on introduction to vital trades

One of the largest ever skills events kicked off on 23 September at Lincolnshire Showground.

Over three days (Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 September), more than 1,500 schoolchildren aged between 10 and 18 will get a hands-on introduction to vital trades such as carpentry, bricklaying, block paving, electrical and mechanical engineering, and virtual reality welding.

Now in its 21st year, Construction and Engineering Week aims to ignite passion and purpose in the next generation by delivering immersive, inclusive and impactful experiences that connect young people, educators and industry leaders.

Fifty companies from Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Humber are attending the event to showcase careers and trades in the construction and engineering industries with practical, hands-on experiences.

Many of the companies involved will bring apprentices and trainees who attended the event when they were at school. 

Children were enthusiastic about the trades and activities they tried at the event. A Year 6 pupil from Welton St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy, who was at the event, said:

“Learning about all the different construction jobs has been fun and a pleasant experience. For one of the activities, we were learning how to saw the planks of wood to make a roof – it’s been hard work but fun! I’ve actually done it before.

“I sometimes help my dad saw planks of wood because he’s a builder. I’d definitely consider doing something like this when I’m older.”

Ryan Donohue from Lindum Group attended the event and said, “I think this event is excellent. It gets the children interacting, talking, and learning a little about the possible jobs and careers in the construction industry.

“The children we have seen today are in Year 6 and their final year of primary school, so they will be thinking about what they want to do over the next couple of years. If this inspires them and encourages them to consider construction as a career path, then that can only be good.

“It’s great for us as employers to engage with them and tell them about what we do and how we do it. If they enjoy it, then that’s even better!”

The event is free for primary and secondary schools to attend. It is sponsored by the two Industry Training Boards for construction and engineering construction (CITB and ECITB) and organised by the Lincoln Group Training Association (LGTA) and Abbey Access Training, in partnership with local employers.