Open Doors Event at Billington Structures Inspires Future Talent
Billington Structures recently welcomed a group of school leavers to its Shafton facility as part of the nationwide Open Doors event, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the world of steel fabrication and engineering.
Open Doors is a UK-wide initiative, led by Build UK, that provides insight into the construction and steel industry, connecting young people with employers across the sector. At Billington Structures, the focus was on school leavers, helping them gain a clearer understanding of the career paths available while showcasing the company’s role in delivering large-scale projects across the UK. The event also highlighted the apprenticeship programme and opportunities available through the Billington Academy as a route into the industry.
Throughout the day, students experienced a combination of learning and hands-on activities. The visit began with an introductory presentation outlining the company’s operations, core services and involvement in major projects, alongside the range of career pathways available, including design and engineering, fabrication, site installation and project management. This was followed by a guided tour of the Shafton manufacturing facility, where attendees observed the scale and precision involved in structural steel fabrication and gained an understanding of day-to-day operations. The visit concluded at the BetterWeld training facility, where students took part in supervised welding and fabrication activities, providing a practical insight into the skills developed through apprenticeships.
A key highlight of the day was hearing from former apprentice Jack Ridgeway, who shared his own journey into the industry and his experience of the apprenticeship programme. His perspective provided a relatable overview of the opportunities available and what a career in steel fabrication can involve after leaving school.
Throughout the visit students remained engaged and showed strong interest in fabrication processes and the opportunities available within the industry.
By supporting initiatives such as Open Doors, Billington Structures continues to invest in training and mentoring school leavers, creating opportunities within the local community and reinforcing its commitment to developing future talent. As a Gold member of The 5% Club, the Group is dedicated to having at least 5% of its workforce in “earn and learn” roles, including apprenticeships, graduate schemes and sponsored student placements. This approach supports the Group’s wider focus on social value, helping to promote careers in construction and provide clear pathways into the industry for the next generation.
