Cruden inspires next generation through bricklaying sessions at Borders high schools

Working closely with DYW Borders, Cruden delivered two Construction Skills taster days at the schools, allowing S2 and S3 pupils to explore careers within the built environment at a key stage before subject choices are made.

A standout feature of the sessions was the introduction to bricklaying, delivered by Chris Hamilton Bricklayers, part of Cruden’s subcontracted bricklaying team. The activity marked the first time bricklaying had featured at a DYW Borders roadshow and provided students with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the trade.

During the workshops, young people were guided through the basics of bricklaying, given the chance to lay bricks themselves and heard directly from an apprentice about career pathways into construction. The sessions complemented wider roadshow activities showcasing traditional skills such as plumbing, joinery and electrical installation, alongside emerging technologies including drones and 3D scanning.

Michael Palethorpe, production & community benefit manager at Cruden, said: “Introducing young people to bricklaying in a practical, hands-on way is a brilliant opportunity to show what a career in construction can really look like. The students were engaged, enthusiastic and keen to get involved, and it was great to see them taking pride in what they achieved during the sessions.

“At Cruden, we’re committed to supporting skills development and helping inspire the next generation to consider careers in the built environment, and working with DYW Borders and Eildon has been a fantastic way to do that.”

Nile Istephan, Eildon Housing Association CEO, said: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed engaging with pupils at Kelso and Peebles High Schools as part of the DYW Borders tester days. It’s really important to us at Eildon Housing Association that we support communities across the Borders area, not just by providing affordable, high-quality homes, but by making a lasting contribution to the places we work, helping to strengthen local communities and invest in their future.” 

Kevin Greenfield, programme director, regional lead at DYW Borders, said: “With support from Cruden and Eildon Housing Association, our Construction Skills taster days at Kelso and Peebles High Schools gave S2 and S3 pupils the chance to explore a variety of careers in the built environment.

“The introduction of bricklaying, delivered by Cruden’s team, was a first for the programme and proved extremely popular, with students enjoying the practical experience and learning about career pathways directly from an apprentice.”

Cruden has supported Eildon Housing Association in delivering the recently completed affordable housing development in Westruther. The development created ten new homes for social rent and incorporated innovative sustainability measures, with the homes requiring up to 90% less energy for heating and hot water than standard buildings, making them both environmentally friendly and affordable to run.