RADIAN Homes’ employment, support and training team joined forces with construction firm Drew Smith and Mill Chase Academy to “further ignite the next generation’s passion for the construction profession”.

Seven year-10 pupils from Mill Chase Academy, in Bordon, and Amery Hill School, in Alton - who are all students of the Mill Chase Academy construction and design department - worked in the academy’s workshop as part of a construction competition organised by Radian and Southampton-based Drew Smith. Radian is an Eastleigh-based housing group that manages homes in Whitehill and Bordon and has contracted Southampton-based Drew Smith to build the 100-home Quebec Park estate in the town.

The students were tasked with creating three foot planters that will take pride of place outside Quebec Park’s new community cafe.

Chris Adams, employment and training manager at Radian, said: “It was great working with the students again following their visit to Quebec Park late last year. The students created some amazing work and showcased the talent in Bordon. We were blown away by the standard of the work created and have no doubt that all the students will go on to have very successful futures.”

The competitors spent four hours creating their pieces and, following the judging, first place was awarded to Mill Chase student Jake Mount, 16, from Bordon. He was presented with a mountain bike, by Radian, for his “creative and impressive design”.

Second and third place went to Mill Chase’s George Lawes, 16, from Bordon and Amery Hill’s Jasper Wilkinson, 15, from Alton, who were both awarded start-up toolkits, donated by Drew Smith.

Mr Adams said: “Here at Radian, we’re committed to supporting the local communities we build in, and like to go that extra mile to show our support and create everlasting relationships.

“We launched this competition to generate interest among the next generation of budding construction workers. Over the next five to 10 years, as we continue to develop Quebec Park, there are a huge number of job opportunities that are likely to arise for local people to take advantage of.

“Our aim is always to build high-quality housing and to do so, we need young people to join the construction profession and bring with them fresh skills and a passion for the sector.”

The students were given a brief with a sustainable focus - to convert recycled pallets and fence posts into planters for the new cafe. The best designs will be displayed at the cafe with name plaques.

Noel Thompson, head of construction and design at Mill Chase Academy secondary school, said: “A big thank you to Chris (Adams), Radian and Drew Smith.

“The students had a wonderful time and it was a great opportunity for them to get a little competitive and have some fun, while also learning a great deal from industry professionals. We’ve all enjoyed seeing how far Quebec Park has come since our visit last November and will continue to monitor its progress.

“For our students, it is great to be part of Quebec Park’s legacy.”