Construction Department officially open

Our onsite construction department is officially opened by Robert Jenrick MP (Whole School - 13/01/2023)

Jason Wright, owner of J Wright Roofing, has provided the funding for our Construction Department that provides an early introduction to the learning of trade skills that has now expanded into bigger premises due to the increased take-up.

Our Head Teacher, Mr Fisher, worked together with Jason on a similar project from 2008 until now at Bulwell Academy.

The extended department was officially opened on Friday 13 January by the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, MP for Newark.

Representatives from Newark construction businesses Gusto Homes and Derry Building Services were present at the official opening to meet the students and staff.

The project will teach and develop a number of skills to the students and provide a direct link to the industry, including post-16 apprenticeships.

Mr Fisher said: “I am incredibly proud to be able to offer our students a variety of routes through their education experiences whilst at Newark Academy, and of the staff who enable that. We are passionate about ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to achieve their ambitions and the construction department is providing it for this group of students. It is fantastic to have Derry and Gusto, two significant figures within the local area onboard and we hope to forge strong relationships which will support our students on their journey.”

Jason said: “The reason I got involved is that as a local company we were struggling to get apprentices and, not just apprentices, but the right calibre apprentices. If a local business like Derry or Gusto wants to take on a youngster, this is on their doorstep. For me as a company, it’s creating a lasting legacy, which then creates this conveyor belt of talent coming through, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve here, albeit in a small way.”

Jerome Wright, from Gusto, said: “The young guys here today are interested and showing an interest in construction at this age, having the opportunity to get their hands dirty and to physically build things, hopefully inspires them to want to get into construction. It also gives us as a business an opportunity to engage with them and identify the ones that we want to invest in and bring into the business.”

Robert Jenrick added: “Newark has a really strong history of construction industry, jobs and number of successful businesses. It’s really important to build strong links between schools and local businesses, to encourage the businesses to meet young people at an early age, inform them about their choices and encourage them to go down the apprenticeship route and view that as an equal standing to post 16 academic qualifications.”