Pave Aways recently returned to Mary Webb School and Science College to deliver an engaging, hands-on workshop for construction students, designed to bring the industry to life in the classroom.
Working in collaboration with local specialists, Lowfield Timber Frames, the session explored the contrast between modern methods of construction and more traditional building techniques, giving students valuable insight into how the industry continues to evolve.
The workshop combined practical demonstrations with open discussions around career pathways, helping students better understand the roles, skills and progression routes available within construction.
Our experienced bricklayer, Barry, led a demonstration on building a traditional brick wall, sharing expert tips and techniques developed over years on site. Students had the opportunity to get hands-on, learning the importance of precision, consistency and craftsmanship.
Supporting the session was carpenter Dan – a former Mary Webb pupil – who returned to his old school to share his journey into the industry, adding a relatable perspective for students considering their own next steps, reinforcing the value of apprenticeships and on-the-job learning.
From a modern construction perspective, Darren from Lowfield Timber Frames demonstrated the assembly of a cavity wall system using timber frame methods. This provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the enhanced thermal performance and efficiency benefits associated with offsite and modern building solutions, compared to traditional masonry.
Andrew Walker, Faculty Lead for Technology at Mary Webb School, said:
“Thank you to the team for delivering such a fantastic session with our Year 10 students. It was extremely well received, and we’re already seeing the impact reflected in the coursework they’re producing for their cricket pavilion proposals.
There’s a clear understanding of timber frame advantages coming through, including precision, sustainability, speed and cost, which is a real testament to how effectively the session communicated these benefits.
The workshop was perfectly pitched, and the practical element gave students a valuable opportunity to apply their learning, particularly in relation to Passivhaus principles.
We’re very grateful for the time and effort taken to deliver such a bespoke and engaging experience for our students.”
For our Managing Director, Steven Owen, the visit marked a full-circle moment, as he worked alongside his daughter during the session, guiding her through the process of building a brick wall and sharing first-hand the skills and passion that have shaped his career in construction. It was a proud reflection of the industry’s ability to connect generations and inspire future talent.
Steven said, “Workshops like this are vital in inspiring the next generation to really consider construction as a career. A key strength of sessions like this is also the collaboration with trusted local suppliers such as Lowfield Timber Frames. Working together in this way strengthens our shared commitment to developing skills locally, while demonstrating to students how effective partnership working drives quality, innovation and efficiency across the industry.
It’s important that students not only understand traditional trades, but also the growing role of modern methods of construction in delivering more efficient, sustainable projects. By combining hands-on experience with insight into how the industry is evolving, we’re helping to give young people a clearer, more exciting pathway into construction.”
This collaborative workshop highlighted the importance of industry engagement in education, giving students meaningful, practical experiences that complement their studies and help inform their future career choices.
We’re proud to continue working with local schools and partners to support the next generation of construction professionals. True to our motto, helping to build not just projects, but futures. #BuildingOurFutureTogether