07818 061505 richard@abbeybsm.co.uk

Richard recently received an invitation to support an event at Beaumont School in St Albans. The nature of the event was intriguing and seemed like a brilliant way to engage with young people in Hertfordshire, explaining career opportunities within this specific sector of the construction industry.

In short, it was a careers evening but structured around the ‘speed dating’ concept. Richard was asked to speak to groups of 15 student for just 15 minutes – just enough time to give an overview of his work at Abbey Building, creating some interest and keeping the attention of the group.

Running a building company

The Year 8 students (12 years old with little knowledge of the working world and the wide range of careers opportunities that exist) needed an idea of what his work involved and so Richard’s brief was to chat rather than lecture – something that comes naturally to the owner of a successful independent firm coming up to 20 years in business. He describes the event as follows:

“It was strange to be back in the classroom and to be the one facing the students but I was immediately impressed by the students – their interest and their concentration. I started with a bit about my school days, how I was always very practical and liked working out how things are made and constructed. I remembered how much I had enjoyed being part of a team.

“Actually, there was a lot I talked about that really interested the students. There was the topic of setting up and running a business – this could be in any sector – which requires good management skills, good people skills, a good understanding of finances and of being a good employer. Then I got on to the actual construction part of the job – discussing all the trades that we need to build or refurbish a house. From bricklaying to decorating these were skills that the students could make a connection with and they were fascinated to learn all that goes into building a house.

It’s about taking part

“When you work for yourself it can be easy to become wrapped up in the day-to-day detail so it’s important to look at the wider picture now and again. It’s important to be a proactive member of a community and talking to these young students was all about inspiring the next generation of craftsmen and women. I was pleased to share with them some ideas for gaining a profession or trade and show how transferable these skills can be. Effectively you are set up to work wherever you choose but I got the feeling that many of these students liked the idea of setting up a business in their home town.”

This event at Beaumont School was organised by a voluntary Enterprise Adviser who is part of a national network of Enterprise Advisers whose aim is to support secondary school children and help them make links with local businesses and professionals.

 

Beaumont School in St Albans