Instarmac and Taylor Woodrow inspire Fortis Academy students with hands-on construction experience

Instarmac Group plc and Taylor Woodrow joined forces to give 30 Fortis Academy students an exclusive, hands-on look at the future of construction – combining career guidance and interactive demonstrations to inspire the next generation of industry talent.

On 29th September 2025, Instarmac welcomed 30 enthusiastic students from Fortis Academy in Birmingham for an inspiring day of learning, discovery, and career exploration in partnership with Taylor Woodrow.

The visit introduced students to the diverse world of construction and manufacturing, including sessions on career pathways, women in construction, interview skills, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Instarmac’s world-class facilities. Students also enjoyed a hands-on demonstration of Instarmac’s innovative highway repair products.

Students also spent valuable time with two of Instarmac’s department heads, gaining real-world insights into key areas of the business.

• With Murray Lyrhgo, Head of Logistics, students learned how Instarmac’s transport and distribution operations keep materials moving efficiently across the country. They toured the company’s fleet of lorries and explored how technology, safety, and sustainability, drive modern logistics.
• With Sham Ali, Technical Manager, the students visited Instarmac’s state-of-the-art laboratory, where they saw how research, innovation, and rigorous testing ensure the quality and performance of every product.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to ask questions, hear career stories, and see the practical application of science, engineering, and teamwork in action.

“Going to the Instarmac factory was an absolutely brilliant experience because it perfectly blended essential career guidance with interesting, hands-on industry knowledge.”

“It was really fun and entertaining, and I would enjoy attending there again”

“It was a great opportunity to view the complex mechanisms that ensure the quality of concrete and tarmac… I had a great impression of how they organised the event and explained how to excel in our upcoming job careers, if you could give us more trips such as these I’d totally attend them.”

Instarmac worked closely with Taylor Woodrow to deliver an engaging, educational day – showing students that construction offers diverse, rewarding, and future-reading career opportunities.

This initiative builds on the long-standing partnership between Instarmac and Taylor Woodrow, who have worked together for several years. During this time, Instarmac has proudly supplied Taylor Woodrow with its market-leading highway maintenance and landscaping materials for numerous projects across the UK – helping them deliver world-class infrastructure solutions that keep communities connected.

Rebecca Talbot, Head of Marketing at Instarmac

“At Instarmac, we’re passionate about investing in future talent and showing young people that construction is full of innovation, creativity and purpose. This partnership with Taylor Woodrow and Fortis Academy reflects our shared commitment to inspiring the next generation.”

Earl Brannigan, Community Engagement Officer, Taylor Woodrow

“Social Value means creating positive, sustainable societal impacts to benefit people and communities. We are very excited to be partnering with Instarmac on this initiative, and I was thrilled at the quality of the programme they developed for the day. By working together, socially responsible organisations like Instarmac and Taylor Woodrow can truly enhance the school curriculum and help build a diverse and skilled workforce for tomorrow.”

To find out more about Instarmac and their commitment to supporting their local community, please visit Instarmac.co.uk.