Why it matters: The students, aged 16-24, have just started a multi-skills course at Lofty Heights Skills Academy and are exploring career opportunities in construction, getting first-hand experience of a working building site.
The big picture: Lofty Heights CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise that helps people live safely at home by sensitively decluttering, deep cleaning and organising their belongings and living space. Through their work, they also create new and inspiring employment and training opportunities for young people.
The Lofty Heights Skills Academy focuses on strengths-based development, supporting 16-24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training. Their asset-based approach builds confidence and resilience, creating meaningful pathways to adulthood and lifelong independence for young people in Ipswich.
The details: The five students received a site induction and health and safety briefing from Gipping Construction Contracts Manager Peter Flatt and Site Manager Chris Crabtree before touring the development.
Budding scaffolders were keen to test the weight of the different tubes, while the future bricklayers were interested in the different types of blocks used for weight-bearing.
During the visit, Flatt and Crabtree explained technical aspects of the project, including "extensive remediation and sheet piling," while discussing the variety of career paths available in construction.
What they're saying: "It’s so empowering for young people to be able to visualise what to expect when they are moving into the world of work," said Claire Flowers of Lofty Heights. "This particular group have been quiet and reserved. Jon has lead the way for them in building confidence and opportunities like having you involved really adds strength to Jon's underpinning work."
What's next: The Hawke Road project will deliver 26 homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, designed by Barefoot & Gilles Architects for Handford Homes, which is part of Ipswich Borough Council.
The development, which will include a new play area centrally placed within the site, is due for completion in early 2026. The properties will be equipped with environmentally friendly technology including solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.
The bottom line: The site visit provided practical insights for the students while showcasing how construction projects can combine housing needs with sustainable features, supporting the Skills Academy's mission to jumpstart careers and unlock potential for young people not in education, employment, or training.
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of David Button Funeral Directors, ICS and Ipswich Central
Independent family funeral directors
We are an independent funeral director based in Walton, Felixstowe and cover all local areas, including Ipswich.
ICS
Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Ipswich Central
Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.AI test identifies heart disease before symptoms show, study finds
A 10-minute test using artificial intelligence has achieved an 80% positive predictive accuracy in detecting cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic patients, according to new research led by a professor at the University of Suffolk.Fire pods and gang awareness workshops grip Ipswich pupils
This year's Crucial Crew featured interactive scenarios on everything from online safety to criminal exploitation, with the smoke-filled Fire Pod proving most popular.Ellisons achieves top STEP accreditation for staff development
The Ipswich-based law firm has been awarded platinum status under the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Employer Partnership Programme, the highest level of recognition available.New East of England Co-op opens on Woodbridge Road tomorrow
The retailer's brand-new food store opens at 7:00 tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 18 June, replacing the current Brunswick Road location with a modern store offering better services and food-to-go options.Suffolk residents lose £407k to romance fraud in 114 cases
More than £407,000 was lost to romance fraud across Suffolk last year, with 114 incidents reported to police as national cases rise by 9%.David Button Funeral Directors, ICS and Ipswich Central
Independent family funeral directors
We are an independent funeral director based in Walton, Felixstowe and cover all local areas, including Ipswich.ICS
Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.Ipswich Central
Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.Local hearing care firm backs dementia golf programme
All About Hearing has agreed a sponsorship deal with Seckford Golf Club to support their twice-monthly sessions for people living with dementia.Green Party rally draws 200+ supporters to Ipswich waterfront
More than 200 Green Party members and supporters gathered at the University of Suffolk on Saturday, hearing from MPs and party leaders before delivering leaflets across Ipswich and Suffolk.Christchurch Park to host Suffolk's Armed Forces Day celebration on 28 June
Ipswich Borough Council will host this year's Suffolk Armed Forces Day at Christchurch Park on Saturday, 28 June, featuring free family activities and live entertainment from 11am to 4pm.Claydon High student wins inaugural Suffolk Young Speaker award
A 14-year-old from Claydon High School was crowned Suffolk Young Speaker of the Year 2025 after nearly 70 young people competed in the first competition of its kind at Kesgrave Conference Centre.Albanian drug dealer jailed for three years after Ipswich arrest
A 35-year-old Albanian man caught with cocaine and fake Bulgarian ID documents in Ipswich has been sentenced to three years in prison.David Button Funeral Directors, ICS and Ipswich Central
Independent family funeral directors
We are an independent funeral director based in Walton, Felixstowe and cover all local areas, including Ipswich.ICS
Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
