BALFOUR Beatty, through its Mansell brand, has given more than 30 students practical advice on how to get into the construction industry.

The opportunity was provided in partnership with the National Skills Academy, CITB Construction Skills and Stourbridge College Advanced Technology Centre, which hosted the event.

Staff from the Solihull-based building firm spent a day at the college, showing students how they could work towards a career in construction, while studying for their qualifications. To whet their appetites, Year 11 pupils were given a variety of trade taster sessions and information on apprenticeship programmes.

The students took part in workshop sessions, which included a career advice presentation delivered by Ben Shakespeare, a former apprentice of the year.

Steve Davies,managing director of Balfour Beatty’s West Midlands regional office, said: “As a member of Stourbridge College’s employer advisory board, we want to support the college in giving students helpful and insightful career advice.

“Combining the experience of our local staff with the college’s excellent facilities and construction workshops provided us with the perfect opportunity to inspire more young people to think about a career in construction.”