Catch them young, watch them grow. It’s a widely used adage recognised by teaching professionals the world over. Put less succinctly, the earlier someone’s education starts, the better the chance of a successful learning outcome.

This is a driving principle behind the Design Engineer Construct (DEC) programme, a unique pathway initiative aimed at supporting youngsters into architecture, engineering and construction careers.

It’s been quietly running in the Island for several years thanks to the support of local companies including T&G, which recently stepped-up to become lead sponsor.

Commitment to talent development

DEC is required because despite the importance of construction in Jersey, which over the next few years needs to deliver a new hospital, harbour and thousands of homes, a lack of talent in the pipeline could mean the Island struggles to deliver.

Recognising this led to T&G becoming involved in the DEC programme. Structural Engineer Nicole Wood, who herself chose a career in construction at a young age, has responsibility for the firm’s commitment.

‘I’ve always enjoyed visiting schools involved with DEC and working with children and young people taking part in the programme. We’ve engaged with different age groups, from junior class level up to students approaching the end of their school education and now thinking about next steps, which could be starting work or going on to higher education.

‘What’s great to learn is that quite a number are thinking about a career in construction, and that there’s a strong awareness of the industry’s importance to the Island.

‘It keeps the Island running smoothly as new facilities can be built quickly,’ was a view advanced by one student and echoed by several others.

There was recognition too of the important contribution construction makes to Island life, as summed-up by feedback saying, ‘A strong construction industry is required to create buildings and spaces that connect communities, providing jobs, and improving society in Jersey.’

Others highlighted the link to prosperity, including that, ‘The construction industry provides thousands of jobs and helps to keep the economy moving through countless building projects.’ And to supporting sustainability, as noted by one student: ‘A strong construction industry will help to lead Jersey to its net zero goal.’

No room for complacency

These are positive outcomes, but then the stakes are high, as Nicole explains.

‘It’s not being overly dramatic to state that the future of Jersey relies heavily on the quality of its built environment. Whether that’s housing, schools, healthcare or harbours, the Island needs a highly trained, skilled and motivated construction workforce capable of delivering for the population.

‘Worst case scenario is that Jersey simply fails to keep pace with demand. Median is that we scrape through using expensively imported external specialists and contractors with limited skin in the local game.

‘By far the best outcome is that we catch the interest of young Islanders through programmes such as DEC and then support them to grow careers in the local construction industry. Home-grown talent to build future home-made success.’

We’d love to discuss further with anyone interested in finding out more. Contact Nicole Wood at [email protected] or +44 (0)1534 867070.