Monday 3 November 2014 In just one week’s work experience, student Aditi Rajgopal laid the first footings for her future career by earning a construction industry level one qualification. Aditi, a lower sixth student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), spent a week last summer at BAM Construction learning about different aspects of their industry. She so impressed her host employer that they awarded her ‘Work Experience in the Construction Industry’, a level one qualification provided by Construction Youth Trust. Carol Shaw, education and community coordinator – northeast BAM Construction Ltd, visited Aditi at school to present her certificate. Carol said: “At BAM we are keen to see more women entering professional careers in construction to address the current shortfall, and providing early work experience for girls is positive for future recruitment. Aditi was a pleasure to work with and she learned a lot about different roles in construction.” BAM is known for some high profile projects including Leeds Arena and, under its previous name HBG Construction, built a major extension at GSAL’s Alwoodley Gates site to accommodate additional pupils following the 2008 merger of Leeds Grammar School with Leeds Girls’ High School. The company was therefore an ideal host for aspiring architect Aditi, who designed her dream house using architectural software Revit, studied health and safety issues including first aid, and spent time with different professionals at BAM’s Thorpe Park premises. James Veitch was Aditi’s head of year in year 11. James said: “Aditi’s week at BAM was work experience at its best. Through a range of organisational and practical tasks over the five days she saw all aspects of the company and what the world of work is like.” All year 11 students at GSAL undertake a week of work experience following their GCSE examinations. Work experience is a rewarding week for students, providing a valuable opportunity to explore their career aspirations, develop life skills and an understanding of the work place. The support of local employers is vital in allowing this to take place and the school is appreciative of the support of all those organisations and companies which host students. Pictured L-R: James Veitch, Carol Shaw, Aditi Rajgopal and Christine Hardman, work experience coordinator at GSAL General Senior School Sixth Form News
