The innovative GRASP programme, led by South West College and partners, has continued its mission to promote sustainable construction careers through an engaging workshop held at St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon, where Year 10 students explored the skills and technologies driving the green transition in the construction industry.
This marks another important milestone in the delivery of the €9.8 million GRASP initiative, which is tackling the green skills shortage in the cross-border construction sector by providing cutting-edge training in sustainable building practices.
The GRASP programme (GReen Accelerator Skills Programme) is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Delivered by Denise Hyndman (South West College) and co-delivered with Dave O’Hara (FutureCast), the workshop aimed to introduce young people to the latest sustainable practices and technologies and inspire the next generation of construction professionals who will lead the way towards a net-zero future.
GRASP programme
The interactive session gave students a first-hand look at the future of construction. Activities included using virtual reality (VR) headsets to explore sustainable building environments, taking on the ‘Spaghetti Tower Challenge’ to encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills, and engaging in lively discussions around green careers and emerging opportunities in the construction sector.
“Workshops like this are vital in helping students connect sustainability, innovation, and modern construction,” said Denise Hyndman, GRASP Programme Development Officer at South West College. “Through GRASP, we’re giving young people a glimpse into the exciting, evolving world of green construction and showing them how their skills can make a real difference to our planet.”
Teachers at St Patrick’s Academy praised the workshop for opening students’ eyes to new career possibilities.
“Our pupils really enjoyed getting hands-on with the activities and learning about how technology and sustainability are shaping construction,” said Marie Terese Meenan, Head of Careers at St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon. “It’s fantastic to see programmes like GRASP helping students understand that green skills are not just important for the future but actually essential right now.”
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between education and industry in shaping a skilled, environmentally aware workforce. As the construction sector embraces new technologies and sustainable practices, initiatives like GRASP are ensuring that today’s students are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the green economy.
If you want to find out more about the GRASP programme, email Laura at: [email protected] or visit our website at www.swc.ac.uk/about/business-services/grasp
About GRASP programme
The GRASP programme (GReen Accelerator Skills Programme) is a €9.8 million initiative funded by the EU PEACEPLUS Programme. It is led by South West College in partnership with key industry stakeholders and is designed to tackle the urgent green skills shortage in the cross-border construction sector.
