STUDENTS have been building on their skills at the Gifted Students Construction Roadshow, at Mid Kent College’s Horsted centre in Chatham.

The event is just one of a series of skill development days organised by SETPOINT Kent and Medway and CITB ConstructionSkills.

Throughout the day, the students took part in workshops where they were able to gain an understanding of the different jobs and disciplines that make up the industry.

They acted out roles in a construction team and had to nominate members of their teams to make vital decisions to gain experience of juggling cost against time.

Other workshops involved civil engineering activities where groups built temporary shelters and drainage systems.

Toni Clarke, SETPOINT director, said: "The construction industry, and the economy, really needs more young people like these to take up related careers.

"Involvement in activities like these while still at school will encourage them to take up related courses in the future, which will lead to a reduction in the massive skills shortage we are experiencing across the country."

Ray Fielder, head of department, building and civil engineering, at Mid Kent College, added: "The day was successful in demonstrating the professional aspects of the construction and civil engineering industry."