Stratford-upon-Avon pupils given two day course in construction

Construction services company Mansell, which has its regional office in Stourbridge, hosted a two-day skills showcase in a bid to give pupils at a Stratford-upon-Avon primary school firsthand experience of the construction industry.

The company organised the special event at Bridgetown Primary School and more than 350 children took part.

Mansell laid on "taster" demonstrations in two special tents where youngsters could try their hand at plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, bricklaying, and plastering. The pupils watched Mansell experts, and tradesmen from Mansell's supply chain partners, at their trade before having a go themselves.

Plumbing demonstrations were laid on by P&M Mechanical, bricklaying by Mansell and M Fitzgerald Brickworks, plastering and tiling by G D Ltd, electrical work by DKB Electrical and carpentry by Qualitec Systems.

Mansell is undertaking a £2 million refurbishment project at the school for Warwickshire County Council. The work includes a new two-storey extension as well as alterations to existing classrooms to create a nursery. The new extension includes seven new classrooms, a library, toilets, two practical areas and a lift and staircase.

Mansell Western region head of construction, Stuart Rogers, said: "This was an opportunity to give youngsters a chance to have a real life experience of a building site in a safe environment."