Capstone Construction recently collaborated with LAS Plant and Breedon to deliver hands-on construction experiences for primary school pupils in Inverenss and the Black Isle, inspiring the next generation of construction workers across the region.

Following the success of last year’s event, Capstone Construction returned to Lochardil Primary School in Inverness, this time partnering with LAS Plant to give pupils the opportunity to experience a state-of-the-art plant simulator used for real-world operator training.

Provided by LAS Plant, the SPOA Tenstar Plant Simulator allowed pupils to step into the role of a plant operator and experience what it is like to control a digger in a realistic construction environment. Using professional simulator technology similar to that used within the construction industry, pupils were able to safely experience the controls, movement and coordination involved in operating heavy plant machinery.

Capstone Construction also led classroom procurement sessions where pupils worked in teams to review supplier options, compare costs and timescales, and present their findings to the class. The activity helped show how skills used in the classroom can translate into real-world construction decisions.

Ian Bone, Director at Las Plant, commented:

“It was fantastic to be part of the event, and we were really pleased to bring the Scottish Plant Owners Simulator up to Inverness. It gave the kids a chance to experience what it feels like to operate machinery in a safe way, and they all seemed to have a great time.

It also gave us the opportunity to talk to them about the dangers of playing on or around construction sites and equipment, which is really important. Getting involved with young people at this stage is all about planting the seed for the next generation coming into the industry. Being part of the communities that we work and live in embedded with-in our company values.”

During the same week, Capstone Construction also supported Breedon’s careers day at Munlochy Primary School in the Black Isle, delivering a practical construction workshop designed to introduce pupils to different aspects of the industry.

As part of the wider event, Breedon delivered sessions introducing pupils to quarrying, minerals, essential products and geology, with a Breedon geologist attending the school to help bring the subject to life. Alongside this, Breedon also delivered a road safety and logistics session focused on cyclist awareness around heavy vehicles.

By bringing one of its lorrys to the school, pupils had the opportunity to learn about driver visibility, blind spots and road safety through practical demonstrations around the vehicle.

Capstone Construction's session focused on construction site safety, giving pupils an introduction to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worn on live construction projects and the importance of keeping both workers and the public safe on site.

Pupils were then introduced to building plans before working together in teams to measure out the footprint of a house in the playground using scaled drawings, tape measures and cones. The activity helped demonstrate how construction drawings are used on real projects, while encouraging teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

John MacRitchie, Transport Manager at Breedon, said:

“We had an excellent with Munlochy and Tore primary schools pupil’s highlighting the dangers involved while cycling or walking near large vehicles in particular the blind spot areas around thesetypes of vehicles.

It was encouraging to hear some of the pupils mention that one day they would like to work for Breedon personally I think its worthwhile carrying out these events as hopefully the children will take on board what was talked about.”

Both events were well received by pupils, with Capstone Construction receiving messages from parents following the visits to say their children had gone home talking about what they had learned and sharing their new understanding of the construction industry.

Craig MacLellan, Procurement Manager at Capstone Construction, said:

“At Capstone Construction, we believe it is important to engage with young people from an early age and help them understand the wide range of opportunities available within our industry. Construction offers rewarding careers across everything from trades and plant operations to engineering, commercial and management roles, but many young people are not exposed to these pathways until much later in life.

By working with schools and industry partners such as LAS Plant and Breedon, we can give pupils a hands-on insight into what the industry involves while demonstrating how the skills they develop in the classroom can be applied in the real world.”

Capstone Construction is proud to support events like these across the Highland region, helping young people discover the breadth of opportunities available within the construction sector, and inspiring future generations to consider a career in the industry.