HLM Architects - General - Careers in Construction
Date: 26 May 2006
At the London Borough of Greenwich's recent Careers in Construction Event, 14 to 15 year-olds were encouraged to consider a career in construction through interactive and creative sessions. The event was held in association with HLM Architects, Buro Happold, Hilson Moran and AYH and the results demonstrate the enthusiasm and creativity inherent in young people.
The aim of the project was to raise awareness of the employment opportunities in the industry in schools and to illustrate the qualities needed for a role in construction. Initiatives like this are imperative at a time when there is a worrying lack of young people coming into the industry.
At the event, aspiring architects and engineers were given the opportunity to design and build a chimpanzee enclosure in a zoo, considering the importance of habitat for the animals and viewing ability for visitors. The specification of stimulating internal space and external paths or walkways with views, as well as the actual size and structure of the building, were critical to the task.
In keeping with their wholly sustainable approach, HLM Architects provided materials such as cardboard, colouring pens, string, egg boxes, plastic bottles, yogurt pots and boxes. When creating the structure, the youngsters learnt to interact with each other, work as a team and think about space and recyclable materials.
Chris Liddle, chairman of HLM Architects, said: "We all have a responsibility to educate young people about construction and demonstrate that it is an attractive career choice. By involving the teenagers in interactive exercises, they were able to experience, first-hand, some of the creativity, adrenalin and management needed to deliver projects. We hope that some of them choose to follow a career in the industry!"
Pictured: Some of the designs and structures created by the children
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