Engineering Leader Shapes Bright Future for Younger Generation

A leader at one of the North East’s premier civil engineering construction firms has urged our future generations to take a closer look at construction in their working lives.

Lisa Molloy, Construction and Commercial Manager at Tees Valley-based Seymour Civil Engineering visited St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School to promote a career in industry.

It all comes as part of a push to upskill the region’s workforce and bridge the skills gap as game-changing major projects are developed over the next 15 to 20 years.

Promoting construction to primary school youngsters, parents and teachers was at the heart of the visit which focussed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The engineering strength of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool is one of our biggest assets. We want to foster the next generation of talent, but also open their eyes to the exciting careers in a vast range of jobs they can have close to home.

“Starting this at a young age is important as it’s so often in those early years when you’re inspired.

“Construction in green industries is booming at the moment on Teesworks and beyond. Seymour is a vital cog in the engine that drives our region and I’m pleased to support Lisa’s push to get more of our youngsters into construction.”

Schoolchildren got the chance to hear what Lisa did for a living, learn more about construction, and plan and build a costed project as part of an exercise.

They delved into Lisa’s educational book Molly in Construction, generously donated by Seymour Civil Engineering, Orange Box Training, and GLC Projects, which will be received by every primary school in the Tees Valley.

Lisa said: “The construction industry currently faces an unprecedented skills shortage which is only predicted to become worse. Molly in Construction is aimed specifically at primary school children to inform children, parents and teachers about the great careers in construction available to all.

“The team at Seymour Civil Engineering are committed to educating children to allow them to understand the opportunities available to them and open their mind to the exciting industry we are all part of. Which is why we carried out the event today supported even further by Tees Valley businesses.”

Headteacher Joanne Wilson said: “The children have been engaged and enthusiastic and have been inspired to the new careers they can pursue in the future.

“They now know that construction is for everyone and that it provides a wealth of opportunities which they can be a part of. They loved making bridges in class and may construct bridges of the future.”