Industry news
Primary school pupils across Lincolnshire gain hands-on construction experience
More than 1,500 pupils from across Lincolnshire have taken part in a three-day construction and engineering careers event at Lincolnshire Showground.
Construction & Engineering Week 2026, now in its 22nd year, brought together more than 80 companies from Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, the Humber and surrounding areas to give pupils aged 10 to 18 practical experience of the sector.
The event included activities covering carpentry, bricklaying, welding, electrical and mechanical engineering, plant and equipment operation, innovation, sustainability and fusion power.
Construction and engineering skills showcased
Feedback from the 2025 event found that 79 % of pupils had a greater understanding of employer expectations, while 71 % said they had developed relevant industry skills.
A further 63 % said they were more likely to consider a career in construction or engineering.
At Hartsholme Academy, pupils took part in a laser scanning activity delivered by Altrad.
Karen Miller said:“ The event provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to get hands-on experience of the wide range of careers available within construction and engineering.”
Sibsey Primary School pupils also took part in a STEM activity with Anglian Water partner companies, giving them an opportunity to explore engineering and technical careers.
Pupils having a go at chocolate welding and using a welding simulator with PJD at Construction and Engineering Week 2026
Ashley Frankish said:“ It is important that young people have opportunities to see how STEM subjects are used in real-world situations and to meet the people working in these industries.”
Apprenticeships highlight routes into the sector
The event also highlighted apprenticeship routes into construction and engineering. PJD and Ropsley Group supported activities involving apprentices, including 18-year-old apprentice pipefitter Matty Watson.
Watson completed an ECITB Scholarship at CATCH in 2025 before starting his apprenticeship.
He said:“ The scholarship gave me a great introduction to the industry and helped me understand what working in engineering could be like.”
A pupil from Bassingham Primary School also took part in the event, highlighting the focus on introducing construction and engineering careers to children at an early age.
Industry tackles future workforce requirements
The week was organised by Lincoln Group Training Association and Abbey Access Training, with support from CITB, ECITB, Humber Energy Board, Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, Lindum Group and J McCann & Co Ltd.
ECITB representative Andrew Hockey said:“ Events like Construction & Engineering Week are important in helping young people understand the opportunities available across engineering and construction.” The event comes as the industry continues to face skills and workforce pressures. CITB’ s Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts that the UK construction sector will need an additional 41,200 workers each year.
The organisers said the event provided pupils with opportunities to engage directly with employers and experience practical activities designed to demonstrate the range of roles available across construction and engineering.
The programme covered traditional construction trades alongside engineering, digital technology, sustainability and emerging energy technologies, giving pupils an overview of the different career pathways available across the sector.
36 www. britbuild-magazine. co. uk