What does it take to design a new school building, keep a commercial property running smoothly or make a construction site safe? These were just some of the questions explored when B&E Boys welcomed 15 students from Our Lady & St John RC High School in Blackburn to Kingfisher Business Centre for an interactive careers day.
Organised by Bradley Whitfield from Inspira as part of the Introduce & Inspire programme, the visit gave students an opportunity to step inside a working business, discover the different roles within construction and property management, and get a better understanding of the career opportunities available across Lancashire.
Hosted by Becky Heselwood, B&E Boys’ Health, Safety & Environmental Officer, and Shannon Pilling, Receptionist and Trainee Property Assistant, the morning was all about learning through experience. Rather than simply talking about different jobs, the team set the students a series of challenges designed to encourage teamwork, problem-solving and a little creative thinking along the way.
More Than Bricks and Mortar
Construction offers a much wider range of career opportunities than many people realise, and B&E Boys wanted to give students a taste of the different skills and people involved in bringing projects to life.
The morning began with a Guess the Job challenge, asking students to identify roles within the business and consider the skills, qualifications and potential salaries associated with each one. It was an opportunity to look beyond the jobs they might already know and discover some of the other careers that help a construction business operate successfully.
Next came a design challenge, with teams tasked with planning a school extension. They had to think about the facilities the building would need, how the space could be used, which professionals would be involved and how much the project might cost.
It was a practical introduction to the decisions that sit behind a construction project, from initial design and budgeting to quantity surveying, site management and health and safety. It also showed how different roles rely on one another to turn an idea into a finished building.
The students then put their observation skills to the test with a Spot the Hazards competition. By identifying potential risks associated with construction sites, they gained an insight into why health and safety is such an important part of the industry and how much responsibility comes with keeping people safe at work.
A Day in the Life of a Property Manager
The visit also explored another important part of the B&E Boys business: property investment and management.
Managing a building involves far more than looking after the physical space. From maintaining facilities and arranging repairs to supporting tenants and ensuring buildings remain safe, there are plenty of different responsibilities to keep on top of.
During a tour of Kingfisher Business Centre, students were challenged to spot the features that help a commercial building operate safely and efficiently, including fire safety equipment, security measures and energy-saving initiatives.
They then stepped into the role of Property Manager, working together to tackle a series of everyday issues that can arise in a commercial building. Faced with scenarios involving roof leaks, lift breakdowns, blocked drains and pest control, they had to decide which problems needed attention first, who they would contact to resolve them and what the likely costs might be.
It was a chance to see how property management brings together practical knowledge, communication, organisation and decision-making. Students also had to consider how to prioritise problems, manage budgets and respond to the needs of tenants, giving them a realistic taste of the thinking involved in keeping a property running smoothly.
Discovering Different Routes into Work
Throughout the morning, the activities highlighted an important message: there is no single route into construction or property management, and not every career involves working on a building site.
The sector relies on a broad mix of practical, technical, administrative and professional skills. Alongside tradespeople, there are opportunities in areas such as surveying, design, health and safety, environmental management, finance, property administration and project management.
For young people who are only beginning to think about their future, understanding this variety can open up possibilities they may not have previously considered. Apprenticeships, vocational qualifications and further study can all provide routes into different roles, depending on individual interests and ambitions.
The session also gave students the opportunity to develop transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving and budgeting. These are valuable foundations for the world of work, whatever career path they eventually choose.
The day concluded with a discussion about career journeys, encouraging students to reflect on their own strengths and interests and consider the opportunities that might suit them.
Supporting Skills and Opportunities Across Lancashire
B&E Boys believes that businesses have an important role to play in helping young people understand the opportunities available within their local area. Meeting employers, exploring real workplaces and hearing directly from people working in different roles can help make future career choices feel more tangible.
The visit formed part of the wider Introduce & Inspire programme, which aims to raise aspirations, introduce young people to local industries and help them build a better understanding of the skills employers value.
This also reflects B&E Boys’ ongoing commitment to the Lancashire Skills Pledge. Through its pledges to help young people become work-ready, support apprenticeships, offer work experience and invest in skills development, the business is working to create opportunities for people at different stages of their careers.
B&E Boys has previously supported young people at the Your Lancashire, Your Future employer event, sharing practical insight into the construction industry and the many roles that contribute to the built environment. Hosting students at Kingfisher Business Centre offered another opportunity to build those connections between education and industry.
Building Confidence for the Future
B&E Boys would like to thank Bradley Whitfield from Inspira for arranging the visit, as well as Mr Andrew Larkin for accompanying the students from Our Lady & St John RC High School. Most importantly, thank you to all 15 students for getting involved, embracing the challenges and bringing their enthusiasm to the morning.
As a Lancashire-based business, B&E Boys is proud to support initiatives that help young people explore their options, recognise their potential and discover opportunities close to home.
By giving students a chance to ask questions, try something new and learn about the people behind the industry, we hope the visit has given them fresh ideas about what their future could hold.
After all, today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, and helping them discover what’s possible is a great place to start.