The initiative is part of Cala’s Community Pledge, which brings a host of bespoke, meaningful benefits to the communities in which Cala builds across the UK.

Gillian Hessett, land manager and Steven Allan, engineering manager of Cala Homes (West) went along to Mearns Primary School to speak to a primary six class to help build grassroots awareness of how new homes are developed and the important part that homebuilders play in creating sustainable new communities.

They spoke to the class about the homebuilding industry and the variety of diverse roles within the sector as well as the creation of the Maidenhill community. Children also got to see before and after images of Maidenhill as well as the masterplan for the site to give them real insight into the nearby development.

The pupils took part in an interactive presentation and class discussion with Steven and Gillian before completing activities around different roles within the industry and job descriptions. The primary six class also had plenty of questions before Gillian and Steven headed back to Cala’s nearby The Lawers at Balgray Gardens development in Maidenhill.

The Land to Life programme supports a drive to cultivate early talent and help transform perceptions of roles within the housebuilding sector. It has been designed by Cala Homes in partnership with a specialist education consultant, with participating schools receiving a comprehensive suite of teachers’ notes and detailed lesson plans along with interactive presentations, worksheets and animated videos focusing on six key topics.

The lessons cover design and technology, sustainability, planning and marketing and highlight the various job roles available within the industry. The programme aims to be as inclusive as possible with alternative activities available for children with additional educational needs.

Gillian Hessett, land manager at Cala Homes (West), said: “It was brilliant to be able to visit Mearns Primary School and speak to the primary six class about Cala and the homebuilding sector as a whole. The pupils who were involved, were thoroughly engaged with the full lesson, asking inquisitive questions about different roles and the different types of career paths available.”

Steven Allan, engineering manager, added: “The visit shows that there is a real opportunity to harness the curiosity of young people and highlight how this sector can open doors for everyone and allows us to ensure they have all the information they need to later evaluate if this is the industry for them.”

Rod Pearson, head of people at Cala, commented: “Land to Life helps to support our ambitions around early talent and diversity, opening young minds to the fact that our industry is about much more than bricks and mortar.

“This is an exciting and dynamic industry to be part of, with such varied career opportunities, but we all know it needs to be more diverse. We believe changing perceptions at a grassroots level is one of the ways we can improve this in the long-term.”

Located off Ayr Road, The Lawers at Balgray Gardens is Cala’s final phase within the community of Maidenhill with only one home now remaining.