Category: Construction
As part of Stepnell’s ongoing commitment to delivering social value through its projects, we have partnered with Lichfield District Council to engage Burntwood students in a unique design challenge.
Stepnell collaborated with Chase Terrace Academy to deliver a four-week project that tasked three groups of Year 8 students with designing and creating development proposals for a housing estate. The students were asked to consider key elements such as infrastructure, sustainability features, leisure facilities, and the inclusion of 10 properties.
On Thursday, 27 February, students had the opportunity to present their designs to a panel comprising representatives from Lichfield District Council, Stepnell, and Compliance Chain, a company that provides social value management software for public sector clients, main contractors, and subcontractors in the construction industry.
During their presentations, students introduced their business names, outlined their housing estate designs, and explained their pricing strategies for the properties. The panel provided feedback, praised the students’ creativity and imagination, and commended their confidence and presentation skills.
Stepnell’s Project Manager, Steve Hollins, rewarded all participants with an invitation to visit the construction site of the new leisure centre at Stychbrook Park, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at a real-life construction project.
Lichfield District Council Cabinet member Councillor Alex Farrell said:
“I was delighted to attend the presentations at Chase Terrace Academy and very impressed with the students’ confident delivery and the quality of their proposals.
“I’d like to thank Stepnell whose project with the academy supports our Social Value program, which aims to see local residents benefit directly from our procurement spend.
“It ensures that for every pound spent by the council on the delivery of goods, services, and works, that pound also delivers wider social, economic, or environmental benefits to the community. Stepnell’s project at Chase Terrace Academy is a great example of social value in practice.”
Natasha Heritage, Social Value Manager at Stepnell, added:
“At Stepnell, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.
“Through this initiative, we’re providing students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world career insights to help them stay engaged in education and build a brighter future. By investing in young people today, we’re shaping the skilled workforce of tomorrow while making a real difference in our communities.”
Matt Birt, Head of Year 8 at Chase Terrace Academy, praised the initiative, saying:
“I am delighted with the impact Stepnell’s construction project has had for our pupils. The boys had to make use of teamwork, creativity, logical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in a variety of ways.
“They have shown genuine excitement and displayed great tenacity and aspiration to tackle the challenges presented to them. All the boys who took part can be very proud of their achievement and can use this as a springboard into thinking about their future and how their school life will support them. I really hope we can run this project again and give more pupils the opportunity to take part.”
The students described the project as ‘fun and challenging’ and particularly enjoyed ‘being able to work as a team.’
“I was a bit nervous for the presentation, but I’m glad I did it,” said one student. “It helped me become more confident with talking to people I don’t know.”
Stepnell remains committed to delivering meaningful social value initiatives and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals through hands-on learning experiences.
