Esh Construction is one of the North of England's largest privately-owned contractors. Through its Constructing Local strategy, the Bowburn-headquartered company invests heavily in education and training opportunities, from delivering projects in the sector to helping unearth the next generation of construction workers.
Creating a ‘Construction Centre of Excellence’
A Construction Centre of Excellence opened to students in September after Esh Construction completed a £1.7 million refurbishment project at Promotion House in Langley Moor.
The contractor has transformed an existing factory unit into a new learning space to create a specialised teaching facility for New College Durham’s trade subjects.
The refurbishment has seen the building remodelled to create teaching rooms, breakout areas, changing facilities and a practical area for teaching. A mezzanine level has been created above the teaching space which houses the mechanical plant for the facility.
Grant Watson, Construction Manager for Esh, said: “The Promotion House refurbishment has served to strengthen our relationship with New College Durham. We are proud to play our part in providing new learning environments for the next generation of construction workers and we are confident that the trade-specific elements the new facility brings will inspire young people to explore a range of key career pathways.”
Supporting the transition from military to construction
After a distinguished 26-year military career, Andrew Senior transitioned to civilian life by joining Esh Construction in April – and he has found significant support in his new role as a HSEQ Advisor.
Since attending the Army Foundation College in Harrogate in 1998, Andrew underwent his Phase 2 military training in Catterick and was stationed in Germany for five years before returning to the UK. He completed operational tours in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan, as well as training in Kenya, Ukraine, Jordan and Canada, achieving the rank of Warrant officer (WO2).
In deciding to leave the Army, Andrew was seeking a role back in ‘civvy street’ and found that his knowledge skills and experience were suited to the health and safety role at Esh. He said: “Health and safety had always interested me, and there were many similarities between the construction industry and the military that go hand in hand. The same principles are in play, you just apply them differently, but ultimately, our job is to make sure every employee goes home safe each day.”
Esh signed up to the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in 2021 and became a Gold Covenant holder in July 2023.
Newcastle University student experiences a year in industry
Engineering student, Thomas Davys has successfully completed a year out placement at Esh Construction.
The 21-year-old Newcastle University student spent 12 months with Esh as part of his Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) degree. Opting to take on the year out placement after completing the second year of his degree, Tom has worked across key Esh projects, including the Tyne Bridge restoration, Stockton Waterfront Urban Park, Hebburn Tri-Station and the Hendon Foreshore project at the Port of Sunderland.
During his placement, Tom has gained a deeper insight into his career pathway and expanded his knowledge about the contracting side of the industry. He said: “It’s important to understand that when you come out of your degree, what is going to differentiate you is experience – it might be a placement year, or it might just be a summer placement or some volunteering work, but just try to get experience under your belt.”
To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk
