HTAE's Construction Centre hosted a construction innovation demonstration day with wienerberger UK & Ireland and support from Hobson & Porter.
Learners, apprentices, employers, and industry professionals came together at Hull Training and Adult Education’s (HTAE) Construction Centre on Thursday 20 August for a hands-on construction innovation demonstration day delivered in partnership with wienerberger UK & Ireland and supported by Hobson & Porter.
The event welcomed around 50 guests across two sessions, with the morning attended by learners, apprentices, and staff from a range of occupational areas including bricklaying, joinery, and painting and decorating. The afternoon session brought together training providers, employers, and industry partners, providing opportunities to network, share knowledge and explore the latest developments in construction materials and methods.
Darren Bould of wienerberger UK & Ireland demonstrates the company's Porotherm system during HTAE's Construction Innovation Demonstration Day at the Construction Centre. Picture: Katie Pugh, HTAE
Throughout the day, representatives from wienerberger delivered live demonstrations of the company's Eco-Brick and Porotherm systems, showcasing how modern construction products are helping the sector meet changing regulations, improve energy efficiency, and enhance building performance.
Darren Bould of wienerberger UK & Ireland with learners, apprentices and staff during the morning session of HTAE's Construction Innovation Demonstration Day. Picture: Katie Pugh, HTAE.
Darren Bould of wienerberger UK & Ireland with attendees during the afternoon session of HTAE's Construction Innovation Demonstration Day. Picture: Katie Pugh, HTAE.
Anna Parfitt of wienerberger UK & Ireland speaking during the afternoon session of HTAE's Construction Innovation Demonstration Day. Picture: Katie Pugh, HTAE.
Nigel Dyer, of wienerberger Ltd, during HTAE's Construction Innovation Demonstration Day. Picture: Katie Pugh, HTAE.
Nigel Dyer of wienerberger UK & Ireland said:
"We were really thankful to be demonstrating these systems at HTAE. We came along to showcase our Eco-Brick and Porotherm systems and demonstrate to the next generation of bricklayers and construction professionals how the industry is changing, as well as the different products that are available and continuing to emerge."
"With new regulations allowing for greater levels of insulation, it was important to help learners and industry professionals understand how construction products are evolving and the opportunities these developments create."
"It was wonderful to finally bring everything together after working with Louise Greene, Engagement Lead (Construction) at HTAE, and Dave Blades from Hobson & Porter to organise the event."
"It was fantastic to bring together people from across the local construction industry, showcase new products and create a valuable networking opportunity. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and it was a wonderful experience."
Pictured (left to right): Caroline Fysh, and Nigel Dyer, of wienerberger UK & Ireland; Dave Blades of Hobson & Porter; Darren Bould, Anna Parfitt, and Thomas Dance, of wienerberger UK & Ireland, during HTAE's Construction Innovation Demonstration Day. Picture: Katie Pugh, HTAE.
The event forms part of HTAE's ongoing commitment to providing learners with direct access to current industry practices, helping to ensure they develop the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in construction.
Amanda Skinner, Construction Centre Manager, said:
"Seeing our learners engage with this emerging technology was truly inspiring. Their passion, curiosity and involvement throughout the session highlighted the value of introducing innovative industry practices into training. We are grateful to wienerberger and Hobson & Porter for their support in delivering this excellent experience at our training centre."
HTAE would like to extend a sincere thank you to the team at wienerberger UK & Ireland for delivering such an engaging, hands-on, and insightful event, and to Hobson & Porter for their support and involvement in making the day a success.
By bringing together learners, employers, training providers and industry experts, the event helped strengthen local partnerships while giving attendees a valuable insight into the future of construction and the innovations shaping the sector.