CONSTRUCTING OUR FUTURE
YORK MINISTER
On 20 June 2024, the Worshipful Company of Constructors proudly announced a three-year sponsorship to support a stonemasonry apprentice at the York Minster Centre of Excellence. This funding, provided through the Company’s Charitable Trust, highlights its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship and nurturing emerging talent in construction.
The York Minster Centre of Excellence is renowned globally for training in heritage skills such as stonemasonry, carpentry, and more. By supporting this apprenticeship, the Constructors are helping safeguard vital skills needed to conserve York Minster, one of Europe’s most iconic cathedrals.
Paul Shepherd, Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust, expressed his excitement, saying: “We’re thrilled to support this apprentice. This is the largest grant we’ve ever awarded, and it perfectly aligns with our mission to advance education and research in construction.
We’re proud to reaffirm our long-standing tradition of promoting excellence in construction and preserving heritage crafts. This sponsorship ensures these invaluable skills endure, helping to conserve the country’s historic treasures for generations to come.’
Alex McCallion, York Minster’s Director of Works, welcomed the partnership, stating: “The Constructors’ generous support comes at an exciting time as we expand our Centre of Excellence and grow our global network of heritage institutions.”
Now, One year on the Trust was delighted that the apprentice had completed the first year of the course with distinction and a presentation of the work at the Minster was given to a distinguished group of Worshipful Company members and guests at a lunch in central London in July
PRIMARY ENGINEER
The Worshipful Company of Constructors has teamed up with Primary Engineer to bring engineering into London classrooms through the Primary Engineer Construction Programme. This programme, which started back in 2005, is all about inspiring primary and secondary school students—and their teachers—with the endless opportunities in engineering and technology.
Here’s how it works: schools connect with industry professionals who bring real-world engineering into the classroom. Teachers get special training to deliver fun, hands-on STEM (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) projects. And it doesn’t stop there—engineers actually join in on the lessons, giving students a peek into what a career in engineering might look like.
This year 10 schools are jumping on board. Each school is sending two teachers to learn how to guide students through creative challenges, like building and testing towers and trucks.
The goal is simple but powerful: spark an interest in STEM early on, tackle the UK’s skills gap, and get kids thinking like engineers.
And here’s the best part—diversity is front and centre. The programme encourages kids from all backgrounds to bring their unique ideas to the table, solving real-world problems together. It all wraps up with a big celebration where students show off their projects. It’s a chance for schools and communities to come together and really shine a spotlight on the amazing things engineering education can do.
During 2025/6 – the second year of the Constructors’ programme – 12 teachers from 8 schools took part in a programme of in-person training and in June of the programme was a Construction Celebration which brought teachers, pupils, engineers and Worshipful Company members together. In total 59 pupils participated.
BUILDING HEROES
In June 2025, the Trust formalised its long-standing relationship with Building Heroes by becoming a Founding Academy Sponsor at their training base at Reseheath College in Cheshire where they have delivered training for 500 service leavers and veterans since 2017.
The formal launch of this Academy Sponsorship was at a ceremony at Reaseheath in December with the opening of the new training centre under the banner of the Worshipful Company, an event that was attended by the Company’s Senior Warden as well as the Trust’s Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and Secretary. Speaking at the event, Chris Charles, CEO of Building Heroes said:
“This sponsorship demonstrates an extraordinary commitment and to have a historic and respected Livery Company take such a purposeful step in support of our mission is something we value enormously. Their investment will safeguard our provision at Reaseheath.
Ensuring that hundreds more members of our Armed Forces family can build meaningful post-service careers, while also contributing directly to the skills needs of the construction and wider built-environment sectors.”
Doug Barrat, Deputy Chairman of the Trust, who formally opened the new training centre said:
“The Constructors Company, through its Charitable Trust, feels that this represents a significant step change in our relationship with Building Heroes. A permanent base for craft and skills training in the construction industry for those leaving the Armed Forces has been an ambition for several years. Now established at Reaseheath in a new bespoke building, this excellent year-round training facility is the culmination of outstanding planning and hard work.”
Following the opening, Doug was invited to present the Awards to the graduating trainees from the latest cohort of students, all of whom were using the skills they had learnt to move into construction related roles.
BUILD UP
Build Up runs hands-on construction projects for young people aged 10–23 years old, empowering them to design and build spaces within their own communities in London.
It gives young people the opportunity to manage construction sites, make meaningful decisions, and witness the real-life impact their work can have. By partnering with local schools, community centres, and playgrounds, Build Up opens access to roles and skills that many young people have never had the opportunity to explore.