Tobermore Launches Education Engagement Programme with Local School Visit

Tobermore is delighted to announce the launch of its new Education Engagement Programme, an initiative designed to inspire the next generation of construction professionals, designers and innovators, while strengthening connections with schools, colleges, universities and local communities across the UK and Ireland. 

The programme aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by introducing young people to the opportunities available within construction, supporting practical skills development and creating pathways into future careers, apprenticeships and graduate opportunities. 

Through educational partnerships, interactive workshops, career talks, factory tours and technical learning opportunities, Tobermore aims to build awareness of the construction industry, nurture future talent and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to investing in education and local communities. 

Bringing Construction to Life at Tobermore Primary School 

To mark the launch of the programme, the Tobermore team visited Tobermore Primary School, where Primary 1 and Primary 2 pupils were given an exciting introduction to the world of construction. 

The visit began with a presentation exploring the important role construction plays in everyday life, from the houses we live in to the schools we attend and the playgrounds we enjoy. 

Pupils were introduced to the different trades and professions involved in construction, including builders, joiners, electricians and plumbers. They also learned about Tobermore and the products we manufacture. 

Following the presentation, it was time for the children to get hands-on with a series of fun, practical activities designed to bring their learning to life. 

The children had the opportunity to try on high-visibility clothing, safety goggles and hard hats, learning about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and staying safe on construction sites. They also took part in a manual handling activity, discovering how to lift and move materials correctly and safely. 

Putting their creativity and practical skills to the test, pupils designed their own laying patterns using Tobermore paving blocks and tried their hand at building walls with Tobermore facing bricks. 

The children also explored the role of colour in manufacturing, experimenting with coloured glitter and crushed cereal to create their own pigments. While it was certainly one of the messier activities of the day, it proved to be a firm favourite among the pupils! 

Each activity provided a hands-on learning experience, encouraging creativity, teamwork and problem-solving while giving pupils an insight into the different skills and processes involved in construction. 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

The visit to Tobermore Primary School marks the first step in Tobermore’s wider Education Engagement Programme, which aims to build meaningful partnerships with educational institutions across the UK and Ireland. 

The programme will engage learners at different stages of their education and career development, providing opportunities to build practical skills, gain industry knowledge and explore future career pathways. 

This will include: 

• Primary Schools: Interactive workshops introducing younger pupils to the world of construction through fun, practical activities. 

• Secondary Schools: Engaging with careers teachers to build their understanding of Tobermore, the construction industry and the range of career opportunities available, helping them better inform and guide students on potential career pathways.

• Universities: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions and technical learning opportunities for students studying construction and design-related subjects. 

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Grace Cahoon, Head of People at Tobermore, said:

“We’re really excited to launch our new Education Engagement Programme and create more opportunities to connect with young people at different stages of their education. 

At Tobermore, we recognise the importance of inspiring the next generation and helping young people understand the wide range of opportunities available within construction, design and manufacturing. 

We’re looking forward to building on this through partnerships with schools, colleges and universities, supporting skills development, nurturing future talent and continuing to invest in the communities around us.”