Winning future generations for a career in construction
"The idea is to give primary school pupils aged 8 to 12 an insight into our professional world," explains Frédéric Lablanquie. As a Talent Acquisition Partner, he normally looks for construction specialists for Implenia building construction projects in western Switzerland. This time his endeavours are aimed at a much younger audience.
"When we thought about how to best inspire young talent to pursue a career in the construction industry, we opted to offer them a hands-on experience," says Frédéric Lablanquie. “The result was a unique stand where we produced and built for seven days straight.”
From Monday to Friday, the children in groups of 20 to 25, flocked to the stand and spent 45 minutes each making plaster components. "We fabricated a total of 89 components, strictly according to plan," emphasises Frédéric Lablanquie. “We wanted the children to see how a real construction project works, working together as a team and within a tight time frame.”
The team from the Division Real Estate drew up plans; colleagues from the Buildings and Civil Engineering divisions supported the implementation at the stand, with materials organised and delivered by team ETS. And the 800 or so children who, over the course of the week, lent a hand at the stand also made their contribution: the building was finished by the end of the week and, at the weekend, was carefully painted other children.
Mission accomplished: after seven working days, the project is complete
The verdict at the end of the week was positive across the board. “More than 25 colleagues from Implenia were involved, including three apprentices. We ran the stand together and coordinated the work. It was a real team experience – not least because team members from different departments never normally have contact with each other and many of them didn't really know the details of the other's work.”
The stand was also extremely well received by the children. The proof? “At the weekend, children were invited to admire the finished project with their families. Many of those who came at the beginning of the week returned at the weekend to admire their work.” And there's something else that makes Frédéric Lablanquie proud: “We had the only stand where children could get so hands-on and had to produce the only giveaway themselves. Instead of gifts, we offered an experience – I'm sure it'll be remembered!”
