Construction services company Mansell is to host a two-day construction skills showcase in a bid to give pupils at Solihull primary schools first hand experience of the construction industry.

The company, working closely with Solihull Chamber of Commerce, is organising the special event on October 13 and 14 at the Old Silhillians Rugby Club ground in Warwick Road. Youngsters from Mill Lodge primary school, Langley primary school and St Alphege CE junior school have been invited to take part.

Mansell is laying on "taster" demonstrations in a special tent at the ground, where youngsters can try their hand at plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, tiling, bricklaying, and plastering. The students will watch Mansell experts at their trade before having a go themselves. More than 100 pupils are expected to take part.

Mansell has recently completed a £25 million contract for Solihull Community Housing, undertaking Decent Homes refurbishment work to the local authority housing stock.

Mansell Western region managing director Steve Davies said, "It's an opportunity to give youngsters a chance to have a real life experience of a building site in a safe environment and to get over the message that the construction industry is an exciting place to work. The students will get valuable hands-on experience and advice from the industry professionals who will be guiding them and will provide them with an insight into the industry.