Gilbert Ash gives students on-site insight

Construction company Gilbert Ash has hosted an event for a number of HND Building Engineering and AVCE Construction & Built Environment students from Upper Bann Institute, as part of National Construction Week.

Co-ordinated by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), National Construction Week aims to target young people with a range of events designed to convey the positive side of one of Northern Ireland's largest industries. As part of the Gilbert Ash event, the students enjoyed a site visit to the new CSS Laboratories building at Seagoe Industrial Estate in Portadown, which focused on careers and various materials used within the construction industry.

"We want to encourage the brightest and best young people to consider a career in construction," said Allen McMullen, Chief Executive of CITB. "With dozens of separate events crammed into just one week, the industry's enthusiasm and commitment has been fantastic."

"The events planned up and down the country will help thousands of people discover the real story behind construction by demonstrating what can be achieved by some of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies and highlighting the wide range of career opportunities within the industry," he added.

UK Project Manager of National Construction Week, Paul Bower, has been pleased with the efforts made to promote the week. He said: "The work of the team in Northern Ireland has been an inspiration to the rest of the UK when it comes to promoting the construction industry in a fresh and innovative way.

"Northern Ireland has given Europe some of its finest engineers, architects and designers. It is heartening to see CITB working so hard to inspire and involve the next generation who will make an impact not just on their home towns but across the world."

(CL)