Working with Schools

Lovell believes it is part of its responsibility to form strong relationships with schools and students, for the benefit of both the construction industry and the students themselves. By challenging stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions, we are able to help groups of school students become aware of what the industry is really like and the enormous wealth of opportunities it presents as a career for talented young people.

There is a great deal of flexibility in how Lovell's commitment to support schools works on the ground. Our input works particularly well in support of students who are studying the Construction and Built Environment Diploma.  It can also be a part of careers study, or be used to enhance the curriculum in Mathematics, English, Design, Geography and other subjects. Each scheme is a unique partnership between Lovell and the particular school or group of schools.

Our professional staff work on a range of activities and projects with the students to help them understand the construction industry.  Typical activities we can support schools with include:

• Site visits and tours

• Careers talks by different roles in the industry

• Longer construction projects - see the list of examples below

• Industry talks - for example topics have included: modern methods of construction, sustainability and the environment, community involvement

• Work based learning (work experience)

• Interview skills workshops

• Presentation & public speaking workshops

• Teacher professional development days

There are wider benefits for students as the projects cover broader, cross-curriculum subjects like the environment and profitability. We are also able to help with transferable skills such as report-writing, presentations, interview techniques and problem-solving.

A Student Showcase event held every other year sees the students we have worked with spend more time with Lovell employees and continue to develop their understanding of the industry.  The conference provides a platform for the students to exhibit and present their learning and project work, and adds a unique event to the students' learning experience.

Whilst our work with schools is increasingly focused on supporting the Construction & Built Environment Diploma, any area of the curriculum can benefit from employer support.  In the Lovell North West region, for example, our work with  is linked to the Vocational GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment. By undertaking six projects, the young people gather evidence towards the achievement of the GCSE Units, particularly units 1 and 2.

Typical projects the Lovell can deliver in partnership with schools include:

Community issues

This project looks at some of the issues that might affect the environment, infrastructure and local population:

• Public consultation

• Re-use of land

• Environmental impact.

Site Management

This focuses on the actual construction site and includes a health and safety induction for young people and a site visit:

• General site management

• Water

• Waste

• Recycling and reclamation

• Noise on site

• Dust and odours.

Design Issues

This activity considers factors that can and should be dealt with at the design stage rather than during or after the build process.

• Natural environment

• Sustainable construction techniques

• Internal environment

• Insulation

• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).

Financial and Economic Issues

This project looks at some of the issues surrounding the cost of the development:

• Implications of the costs

• Design - life expectancy

• Low maintenance costs

• Future sustainability

• The effects of poor site management

• Standards of insulation.

Definition of the Built Environment

This project brings a second chance to visit a site and to observe several different phases of the construction process. This project also allows students to compare different developments in the area and to allow them to understand why certain house types are preferred in certain geographical areas:

• Supply chain

• Sub-contractor involvement

• Quantity surveying (on site)

• Sales and marketing

• Different types of home.

The Construction Cycle

This project brings all the sytudents' learning together, following the cycle from start to finish:

• Planning

• Design

• Controls

• Procurement

• Construction

• Maintenance

• Conservation

• Refurbishment

• Demolition.

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