PUPILS at Neilston Primary School have been learning all about designing and building houses after experts from developers Taylor Wimpey paid them a visit.

Children donned hard hats and hi-vis vests as part of their new Skills Academy project, which allows time to focus on different pathways and inspire youngsters to a range of careers.

This visit brought one of Taylor Wimpey’s recently-qualified joiners, Fraser Martin, to the school, where primary one and two pupils learned how the firm designs houses and uses tools to build them.

Errin Hendry-Giles, a technical management trainee, has also been teaching primary three and four kids about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and how all four subjects play a key role in the construction industry.

Barrhead News: Children at Neilston Primary enjoyed building model homes with Errin Hendry-Giles and Naomi Sturdy, of Taylor Wimpey Children at Neilston Primary enjoyed building model homes with Errin Hendry-Giles and Naomi Sturdy, of Taylor Wimpey

Gerard Curley, headteacher at Neilston Primary, said: “We are delighted to be working with Taylor Wimpey. Their sponsorship of this project will allow our teachers to be ambitious and innovative in their planning, meaning we can continue to deliver excellent experiences for all our learners.”

Neilston Primary’s Skills Academy is a new way of delivering the curriculum. It gives pupils the opportunity to work with five local partners, including Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, which sponsors the design and manufacture aspects of Skills Academy.

As well as providing financial support, Taylor Wimpey’s team is visiting the school throughout the year to demonstrate the skills required on a building site, discuss the process of building a house and offer pupils an insight into what it takes to be an engineer.

Kirsty McGill, head of sales for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, said: “We are excited to be a key part of Neilston Primary’s innovative approach to learning by supporting its new Skills Academy.

“Our team is enjoying the opportunity to use their workplace skills in a teaching environment, which has helped to bring the design and manufacture pathway to life.”