Year 9 students from Garstang Community Academy recently took part in an inspiring careers visit to Leach Structural Steel Work Ltd, one of our region’s leading engineering and fabrication companies. The visit formed part of our wider careers programme, which aims to broaden students’ understanding of local industries and the diverse career pathways available to them.
During the visit, students were introduced to a wide range of roles within the company, including:
- Estimator – calculating project costs and preparing bids
- Quantity Surveyor – managing budgets and ensuring cost-effectiveness
- Mechanic – maintaining and repairing heavy machinery
- Welder – joining metals using specialist welding techniques
- Steel Erector – assembling and installing steel structures
- CAD Designer – producing technical drawings using computer-aided design software
Students enjoyed a guided tour of the factory, giving them a first-hand look at the company’s operations, equipment, and the specialist skills required across different departments. A career talk from industry professionals further deepened their understanding of the sector and the pathways into engineering, construction, and design.
Student Reflection
One student shared how the visit reshaped their thinking about future careers:
“I did want to be a structural engineer, but now I want to be a quantity surveyor. Hearing about the different roles helped me understand what each job involves and what might suit me best.”
Careers Adviser Comment
Paula Askew, Careers Adviser at Garstang Community Academy, highlighted the importance of such experiences:
“Visits like this are invaluable. They allow students to see real workplaces, meet professionals, and understand the skills employers are looking for. It helps them make more informed choices about their GCSEs, future training, and long-term career goals.”
This enriching experience has given our Year 9 students a meaningful insight into the world of work. By engaging with a local employer and exploring real career pathways, students have gained knowledge and inspiration that will support their future academic and career decisions.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Leach Structural Steel Work Ltd for their time, enthusiasm, and warm welcome. Their willingness to share their expertise and provide meaningful experiences made a real impact on our students.
