Encouraging The Next Generation
Developing the next generation of construction professionals is vital for the future of the industry, as local leaders engage with students to showcase career opportunities in the sector.
Industry leaders from local construction businesses recently met with Suffolk sixth form students at a progression event held at ONE Sixth Form College in Ipswich. The event brought together representatives from the Suffolk Joint Construction Committee (SJCC), alongside more than 69 UK universities.
SJCC is made up of professionals and organisations from across the construction sector, including the National Federation of Builders, Royal Institute of British Architects, Institution of Structural Engineers, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.
Led and organised by James Potter of Zenon Group (before Superstructures), the construction stand provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals in an informal setting and explore potential career paths.
James, who also serves as an enterprise adviser, continues to work closely with the college to support social mobility in Ipswich and encourage young people to pursue ambitious career pathways, regardless of their background.
He commented:“Developing and encouraging the next generation into the construction sector is vitally important. I would like to see construction skills at the forefront when career decisions are being made. Our local expertise is among the best in the world, and the industry is expected to grow significantly over the coming decade.”
Jordan Holder, Enterprise Coordinator at The Careers & Enterprise Company, part of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), highlighted James Potter’s contribution in providing strategic direction and supporting students to engage more with the world of work.
Event organiser Phil Page of ONE added that the initiative offers practical guidance to students, noting that around 40% of students do not go on to university, making engagement with employers especially important.
