FPCR helps deliver the Sustainable Communities CREST Challenge

FPCR recently spent an enjoyable and rewarding morning assisting Barratt Homes North Midlands and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver the Sustainable Communities CREST Challenge at the South Wolds Academy and Sixth Form in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire. This formed part of Barratt Homes’ commitment to deliver employment skills opportunities in Rushcliffe as part of their Hollygate Park development at Cotgrave.

The event was to highlight the various jobs associated with the housing industry necessary to deliver developments like Hollygate Park. FPCR have worked with Barratt Homes at Hollygate Park from the outline planning stage, and this involvement continues as the development nears completion. As ecology is such an important aspect of the development process FPCR were invited to form part of the CREST Challenge delivery team.

Nick Law (Principal Ecologist) gave an insight into how ecologists are involved from the inception of a development proposal, and their role through the planning, construction and post-construction phases. Nick provided 10 minute interactive presentations with small groups of Year 9 pupils highlighting the academic qualifications needed to pursue an ecology-based career whilst enthusing about the many aspects of the job (including working outside across the country and frequent problem-solving opportunities) that make it so rewarding.

The CREST Challenge will now form part of the Year 9 Geography lessons during the summer term and winning groups will have an opportunity to present their work to the Cotgrave Strategic Board which is run by Rushcliffe Borough Council.