Glimpse into industry

As part of the Enterprise4Education (E4E) scheme, Bondholder YMD Boon has helped local students gain hands-on experience of the construction industry.

According to recent statistics, only 1.3 per cent of the 865,000 total employees within the UK construction and building industries are female. The ongoing careers mentoring scheme, E4E, founded by fellow Bondholder Derby City Council, is bucking the trend and championing women in construction by offering youngsters across the region valuable career support days in a variety of trades.

YMD Boon has been a member of the E4E mentoring scheme for four years and is keen to continue supporting young talent, providing work placements to various university and secondary school students every year.

After expressing an interest in bricklaying, two students from the West Park School were given the chance to gain their first glimpse into the trade – spending time alongside YMB Boon and Davlyn Construction, with health and safety training beforehand, followed by a class in practical brick laying and a tour of a new classroom block under construction.

YMD Boon completed the school’s new classroom project by providing architectural services on a new building – bringing six classrooms for new and existing pupils as well as a reception area and meeting rooms.

Shari Setayesh, director at YMD Boon, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the E4E scheme offering youngsters the chance to explore their career options in fields where skilled men and women are always needed. We’re excited to see the major works complete at the local establishment for which we were the architects. The new building will help the school grow in capacity and able to provide further essential school places to young people in the area.”