A group of students from Derby gained first-hand insight into careers in the building materials sector during a recent school engagement visit to a Travis Perkins branch.

Pupils from Bemrose School spent the day at a branch of the UK's largest building materials supplier, where they learned about the industry, took part in examples of day-to-day activities, and faced practical challenges.

The day was organised by Travis Perkins Managed Services (TPMS), a specialist division of Travis Perkins that supplies materials to social housing and facilities maintenance teams across the UK, in partnership with their customer, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH).  

As part of MTVH's social value partnership with TPMS, the two provided students with this eye-opening career insight, aiming to offer practical workplace experience to help them secure jobs after full-time education. 

The year 10 and 11 students are currently considering the next stage of their education and were shown potential career opportunities with Travis Perkins.

Michelle Smith, Social Value Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: "It was a pleasure to host the students from The Bemrose School and incredibly fulfilling to provide them with new career insights and personal development opportunities.

"The students were fully engaged throughout the day, participating in practical challenges and learning about the various routes into our sector." 

This was the second time TPMS has organised a branch insight visit after The Deanery CE Academy in Swindon visited a Travis Perkins branch earlier this year. 

Claire Amos, Lead in Careers at Bemrose School, said: "We were very grateful to TPMS and to MTVH for facilitating this great experience for some of our young learners.

"It was a great opportunity for them to get into a branch and see how a business like Travis Perkins operates on a day-to-day basis. 

"It was great that they had practical activities to do as part of the day and it left the students intrigued by potential careers in the industry."

Ewa Van De Schootbrugge, Projects and Partnerships Manager at MTVH, said: " It was great to connect Travis Perkins and Bemrose School. The school had a great need for opportunities where students could experience real life workplaces. 

"This exposure for students is so vital, giving them valuable learning and meaningful connections. The partnership work with Travis Perkins has shown how much social value can make a difference to young people – we look forward to future collaborations."