Colas Inspiring Young Minds Through The Cones Construction Tales
Colas Ltd has joined forces with Leeds City Council to support the educational children’s book Cones and Making Choices, authored by Chris Madeley.
This latest instalment in The Cones series shines a spotlight on the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within the construction industry, aiming to engage children of all backgrounds and genders. By collaborating with Whinmoor St Paul’s Primary School and Leeds College of Building, the book offers a unique lens through which young learners can explore the vast potential of the construction and engineering sectors.
The Cones series—an imaginative collection of stories featuring four traffic cones on educational adventures—has become a beloved tool for introducing children to civil engineering concepts. Through engaging narratives, these books make complex industries approachable and exciting for young readers.
Empowering the Next Generation
In Cones and Making Choices, the cones find themselves in a primary school, overhearing a conversation that leads them to Leeds College of Building. Here, they meet Ayo, an ambitious female student aspiring to become a civil engineer. Ayo’s journey takes her to Colas, where she meets Adam, a character inspired by Colas Contracts Manager Adam McCormick, and Josie, a civil engineer from Leeds City Council. These interactions offer young readers a glimpse into the transformative power of civil engineering and its role in shaping modern communities.
The book not only highlights careers in construction but also challenges stereotypes, encouraging young readers to envision themselves in roles traditionally dominated by one gender. It emphasises that the industry welcomes talent from all walks of life, making it a beacon of inclusivity and innovation.
A Milestone Celebration
On 19th November, Colas hosted the official launch of Cones and Making Choices at Leeds College of Building, with Lord Mayor of Leeds Abigail Marshall Katung, author Chris Madeley, and Sinead Clarkson of The National Association of Women in Construction in attendance. This event followed an initial launch at Whinmoor St Paul’s Primary School on 11th November, which set the stage for introducing the book to the wider community.
Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “I’m a huge advocate of STEM, and it gives me so much joy to read the book and to see how you have infused the choices that young people make. We are grateful and proud of you to have chosen this industry, and I hope that the college continues to open their doors in mentoring young people, ensuring that they continue to stay in STEM.”
Adam McCormick also shared his thoughts, stating: “I believe we’ve made a significant step toward bridging the gap between education and industry. This book not only introduces young readers to the world of civil engineering but also inspires them to envision a future where they can play an active role in this vital sector.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams
Nikki Davis, CEO and Principal of Leeds College of Building and the first female to hold this position, expressed her pride in the project: “As an ambassador for construction and built environment training in Leeds, it’s vital that we reach young people at a very early age and showcase the exciting, worthwhile, and varied career paths and opportunities available to them regardless of gender or background. This children’s book is an innovative tactic to do just that.”
Ayo’s inclusion as a character—inspired by a real former T Level student—is a powerful example of how the sector is evolving. By highlighting real-life role models, the book demonstrates that the construction industry is not only about building structures but also about fostering communities and empowering individuals.
Engaging Future Builders
The launch events provided an interactive platform for students to engage with industry professionals. Representatives from Colas’ social value team and their supply chain partners held networking sessions where students could ask questions about career paths, workplace equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). These interactions were invaluable, offering students a real-world context to understand the industry’s opportunities and challenges.
Students left inspired, armed with new insights into the possibilities within construction—from designing roads to managing large-scale infrastructure projects. These experiences go beyond the classroom, planting seeds of curiosity and ambition in the minds of future engineers, architects, and planners.
Why It Matters
The construction and engineering sectors face a persistent skills gap. Initiatives like Cones and Making Choices are pivotal in addressing this challenge. By reaching young learners early, the industry can spark interest and nurture the next generation of talent. Moreover, these efforts promote inclusivity, ensuring that underrepresented groups see themselves reflected in the sector.
The collaboration between Colas, Leeds City Council, and educational institutions showcases the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. By investing in creative educational tools, the construction industry is not only addressing its talent pipeline but also reshaping public perceptions.
An Open Invitation
For educators eager to inspire their students and introduce them to the possibilities within construction, Colas offers opportunities to bring these conversations to life. Schools interested in receiving educational materials or organising engagement sessions with industry professionals are encouraged to reach out via socialvalue@colas.co.uk. Together, you can build a brighter future by empowering the next generation to explore the world of construction.
A Future Built on Inspiration
Cones and Making Choices is more than a children’s book; it’s a movement to inspire, educate, and innovate. Through imaginative storytelling and real-world connections, the book paves the way for young learners to dream big and pursue careers that shape our world.
By fostering curiosity and breaking down barriers, the construction industry is building not just infrastructure but also hope and opportunity for generations to come.
