Esh expands construction careers programme

A construction group is expanding an education programme that has reached more than 3200 students with the launch of a new geography workshop.

Bowburn-headquartered Esh Group has added a third subject to its Construction in the Curriculum programme, which uses real-world examples from the built environment to demonstrate how classroom learning can translate into construction careers.

First launched in February 2023 with a maths workshop centred on the role of a quantity surveyor, the programme expanded into science in 2024 and has now engaged 3283 students across the North East, Tees Valley and Yorkshire.

The new workshop was launched with students at Darlington College and delivered by members of the group’s private housebuilding division Homes by Esh.

An interactive challenge tasked students with assessing potential development sites, considering factors including drainage, flood risk, biodiversity net gain, landscaping and the surrounding environment.

Dale Morris, technical director at Homes by Esh, said: “The geography session gives students an introduction to the same principles we consider when bringing forward new housing developments. 

“From assessing site constraints and environmental factors to determining how land can be used most effectively – it reflects many of the decisions made within my role, they are just actioned on an appropriate scale for the workshop participants to take away clear insights to our sector.”

Chantelle, a student who took part in the workshop, added: “One thing I’d take away from today is how important geography is for construction and factors such as drainage, flood risks and surrounding environments, how they have an impact on where housing estates are built. 

“The session has definitely made me more interested in the wider planning side of construction.”

Lee Chatterton, senior lecturer, added: “It’s really important that students are able to relate their studies to future career opportunities. 

“While full-time students often have access to work experience placements, these don’t always provide insight into planning and development roles or the considerations involved in bringing projects forward. 

“Without companies coming in and sharing their expertise, it would be much harder for young people to gain an understanding of these career paths, so organisations like Esh play a pivotal role in bridging that gap.

“It’s very important to promote the wide variety of roles available within the construction industry and therefore it’s invaluable to us that businesses like Esh extend the hand of friendship, allowing young people to discover new career opportunities, succeed as they move forward and ultimately inspire the next generation.”

The workshop builds on Esh’s existing curriculum programme, which sees construction professionals deliver timetabled lessons through an industry lens, helping students understand how subjects studied at school are applied in the workplace.

Its launch in Darlington also reflects Homes by Esh’s long-standing joint venture partnership with Darlington Borough Council, which has delivered housing and regeneration projects across the borough for more than seven years.

Part of Esh Group’s wider Constructing Local programme, the initiative aims to raise awareness of career opportunities across the built environment and challenge perceptions of the construction industry.

Kate Marshall, social value manager at Esh Group, added: “Construction in the Curriculum helps bridge the gap between education and industry by showing students how classroom learning translates into real careers within construction and the built environment.

“Through our Constructing Local approach, we are committed to supporting the communities where we operate, not only through the homes and infrastructure we deliver, but by creating opportunities for local people by raising aspirations, challenging perceptions and inspiring the next generation to consider a career in construction.”

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