Inspiring the Next Generation: SEHBAC’s Colchester Showroom Hosts Southview School with Ductu
Charity & Community
At FineLine and SEHBAC, we are passionate about nurturing future talent and engaging with the next generation. Our recent showroom visit by students from Southview School, arranged by Ductu, was a fantastic opportunity to support young people in exploring careers in the home improvement industry.
Supporting Future Talent with Ductu
For over a decade, Ductu has been dedicated to connecting leading employers with students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities. Their S.E.N.D. (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) program provides students with workplace visits, hands-on experiences, and employer engagement to help them discover potential career paths.
When Emma from Ductu reached out to Pete Wheeler, Managing Director of SEHBAC, he was eager to support the initiative. Reflecting on his own career in the trade industry, Pete emphasized the importance of giving back:
“We need to remember that someone took the time to train us when we were younger, and we all have a responsibility to the next generation.”
This aligns perfectly with FineLine and SEHBAC’s values, as we believe in sharing industry knowledge to ensure a thriving future workforce.
A Day at SEHBAC’s Colchester Showroom
The first visit of this partnership took place at SEHBAC’s Colchester Showroom, one of the largest home improvement showrooms in Essex, featuring:
- Over 50 window and door designs on display
- Full-build extensions for students to explore
- Live product demonstrations to showcase installation processes
During the visit, Pete welcomed four students from Southview School in Witham, a special school for Physically and Neurologically Impaired (PNI) children. The students, who learn in a modern, inclusive, and accessible environment, were eager to gain insight into the various career opportunities within SEHBAC and Fineline.
Exploring Careers in Home Improvement
Pete gave a presentation on SEHBAC’s expertise in home improvement projects, covering the diverse trades and roles involved, including:
- Design and planning – Creating innovative home transformation projects
- Installation and craftsmanship – Bringing designs to life with expert fitting
- Project management – Overseeing builds and customer journeys
The students were then given a guided tour of SEHBAC’s Colchester showroom, offering them a first-hand look at the industry and the exciting opportunities it holds.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The visit was not only educational but also engaging and inspiring. Pete shared insights from his career, even revealing what he called the “Secret to Success”—which remains a mystery for now!
By opening our doors to young people, SEHBAC and Fineline aim to showcase the rewarding career paths available in the fenestration and home improvement sector. Whether students are interested in design, installation, or management, this industry offers a fulfilling and stable future.
Continuing Our Commitment to Future Talent
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ductu, hosting more students at our other showrooms, and inspiring the next generation of trade professionals. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we can help shape the future of the home improvement industry.
Want to Learn More?
📍 Visit SEHBAC’s Colchester showroom to see our work in action!
💼 Explore career opportunities with FineLine here.
🔗 Find out more about Ductu’s S.E.N.D. program here.
📚 Learn more about Southview School here.
