LEADING partnerships developer Lovell recently welcomed a group of young people from Newport Youth Academy to the Ringland Regeneration project in Newport, which is being delivered for housing association Hedyn, providing an engaging and educational introduction to careers in construction.
The visit was part of the Business in the Community Newport Place Programme ‘Behind the Scenes’ series, aimed at helping people in Newport grow in confidence, learn about the different industries and roles available to them and access fulfilling opportunities.
The visit offered attendees the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into how large-scale developments are delivered, as well as the wide range of roles available within the construction industry.
Representatives from Lovell, including Meriel Gough, Noorhan Griffiths, Shelly Leonard and Joe Hawkins, alongside the Hedyn team, Laura Palfrey and Rebecca Sluman, led the session. The morning began with introductions and an overview of the Ringland development, including the phases already completed and the works still to come.
Joe Hawkins, Site Manager at Lovell, provided a detailed explanation of the construction process on site, including groundwork, demolition, drainage systems and the development of new homes, all of which are being delivered as social housing. He also outlined the variety of trades involved in bringing the development to life, from bricklayers and roofers to plumbers and electricians.
A health and safety session introduced the importance of safe working practices on site, including the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Attendees learned about essential safety measures and how these are implemented daily across construction projects.
The group was then taken on a guided tour of the development, where they were able to see homes which have now been completed and gain a practical understanding of how a site progresses through each stage.
Following the site visit, Meriel Gough, Social Value Manager at Lovell, led a discussion around the different career pathways available within the industry, highlighting the importance of each role and encouraging questions from the group.
The session also included insights from Holly Wearing-Evans, Lovell Business Systems Coordinator, who shared her own career journey and offered advice on entering the construction sector. She highlighted the value of gaining hands-on experience alongside formal qualifications.
In addition, Alex Mota, a Lovell Forklift Driver, spoke about his role and the training opportunities available within the industry, including support through the Personal Learning Accounts fund to help individuals gain new skills and qualifications.
Gemma Clissett, regional partnerships director at Lovell, said: “At Lovell, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to explore the wide range of careers available within construction.
“It was fantastic to welcome the group from Newport Youth Academy to Ringland and see how engaged they were throughout the visit.
“By giving them a real insight into how developments are delivered and the roles involved, we hope to inspire the next generation to consider a future in the industry, while also building a stronger connection with the community we are working in.”
Jill Salter, Newport Place Programme Manager at Business in the Community, said: “We are delighted to have facilitated this visit as part of our ‘Behind the Scenes’ series in Newport.
“Thanks to funding from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, this series has allowed us to help Newport’s residents find out more about the world or work and the opportunities available to them locally.
“With the UK needing an additional 225,000 construction workers, the visit to the Ringland Regeneration site gave these young people insight into what they can expect from a career in construction, as well as what career pathways might be available to them, expanding their horizons to a variety of potential roles in the industry.”
Luke Stokes, Head of Development Delivery at Hedyn, said: “Ringland is about much more than delivering new homes, it’s about long-term opportunity.
”Giving young people the chance to learn about how a scheme like this comes together helps strengthen understanding of how regeneration can shape the future of their communities.”
The Ringland Regeneration project is a major transformation scheme being delivered by Lovell for housing association Hedyn, in partnership with Newport City Council, Cardiff Capital Region and Welsh Government. The £47 million development will deliver 158 new homes and a relocated shopping centre, helping to revitalise the local area.
For more information, visit Lovell’s website.
You can also like Lovell on Facebook and follow Lovell on Instagram at @lovell_homes, and on LinkedIn @LovellPartnershipsLtd.
