TWO construction projects are inviting young people in the Taunton area to find out about careers in the construction industry as part of the Open Doors weekend run by the UK Contractors Group.

Galliford Try Construction is opening up its redevelopment scheme in Creechbarrow Road, which is providing affordable housing for locals, on March 6 and 7.

And young people interested in the trade can also visit Somerset College Arts House, being developed by BAM.

Admission to the events are free and offer young people the chance to explore the wide range of construction careers available.

It will include glimpses of traditional roles like bricklaying and quantity surveying, and also lesser known roles like site health and safety management, environmental management and interior design.

Stephen Ratcliffe, UKCG director said: “Perceptions of the construction industry are still very much stuck in the past.

“Many people, including parents, teachers and careers advisers, still see it as offering very limited career opportunities for young people in what is often seen as a physically demanding and male dominated industry.

“That’s why UKCG, in conjunction with its partner organisations, is leading the way in ensuring that young people – and those that influence their careers decisions – are given the opportunity to see first-hand the rewarding and diverse range of roles on offer in the modern construction industry.

“It’s only by doing this that we will overcome skills shortages in the industry and build the workforce of tomorrow. ”

Andrew Johnson at Galliford Try said: “We hope our event will give local youngsters – as well as their parents and teachers – a unique glimpse of the expertise that go towards the completion of each and every one of the projects we work on.

“What’s more, we hope that it will inspire young attendees to join the industry in the future.”

To book your tickets for the event visit: http://opendoorsweekend.co.uk/