The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group will host its annual Give Construction A Try (GCAT) event on Wednesday 11th March at Castleford College, giving secondary school pupils a taste of the world of construction through a range of interactive workshops.
With the construction industry facing growing skills shortages, Give Construction A Try showcases the multitude of opportunities and career paths available within the sector for young people. Sponsored by Milestone, Caddick, Meldrum Group and Promoting Construction in West Yorkshire, the event brings together students, employers and industry leaders to engage in a variety of hands-on, interactive workshops.
Sixteen schools are set to attend this year’s event, where pupils will be given the chance to learn various construction skills using the College’s construction workshops including bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing.
Trimble laser scanning, electrical and mechanical practicals, emergency crisis planning and building low carbon Lego house challenges are just some of the activities the pupils will take part in, highlighting the diverse roles the industry has to offer.
Jannine Godfrey, Head of Pastoral Curriculum at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Our Give Construction A Try event connects employers to the future workforce, exhibiting all that the industry has to offer. It’s great that we can help spark curiosity amongst young people in the community by showing them the opportunities that await them and how they can get involved. It’s a truly inspiring event which would not be the same without the businesses who play such a huge role in helping to shape the next generation of talent.”
Students learning about electrical installation in a Castleford College workshop.
Over 200 students attended Give Construction a Try 2025, with the event focusing on sustainability and the range of green careers available to young people in the Wakefield area.
Alfie, pupil from Woodkirk Academy, said: “The day was exciting and the activities were all hands-on, which is a good way to learn. I wanted to become a mechanic in the future, but after the event and hearing about all the different job titles and career paths on offer, I’m more drawn towards construction.”
The event serves as a clear display of the promising construction opportunities for young people across the region with construction companies in attendance including Hargreaves, Willmott Dixon, Caddick, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Vico Homes, Sigma, Wienerberger, Robertson, Illingworth & Gregory, BAM, Bowmer & Kirkland, Wates, Milestone, Tri-Tech, Marlborough, TransPennine Route Upgrade East Alliance, Meldrum Group, Equans, Keepmoat, Kier, Flannery, Korec Group, Cantidad, YIRTG, Building Futures, Consult DJH and Managing 2 Succeed.
Sarah Hopkinson, Head of Social Value P&C North, Equans UK and Ireland, said: “Equans UK & Ireland is delighted to be involved in the Give Construction a Try event again in 2026. This is an industry-leading event that provides young people across West Yorkshire with the insight and inspiration to join the construction industry. Showcasing the range of technical roles and the breadth of opportunities for girls is a key focus for GCAT. Data validates that we are shifting attitudes and perceptions, giving awareness that construction is not just for boys – it is for everyone.”
Local schools participating on the day include Kings High School, Carlton High School, Castleford Academy, Airedale Academy, Crofton Academy, Trinity Academy Cathedral, Woodkirk Academy, High Well School, St Thomas a Beckett CHS, Kettlethorpe High School, Outwood Academy Freeston, De Lacy Academy, Selby High School, Barlby High School, Evolve Academy and Minsthorpe High School.