Since 2018, the company has undertaken an innovative program aimed at educating primary school children about the world of civil engineering and the potential hazards associated with construction sites. This initiative, delivered through educational visits, was further enhanced in March 2023 with the introduction of BeSafe Bert, the company mascot. BeSafe Bert was specifically designed to engage younger pupils and make the safety messages more relatable and memorable.

As an IF105 framework delivery partner for Northern Ireland Water and delivering flood alleviation and environmental improvement schemes for local authorities, AG Wilson’s civil engineering projects often involve work in the vicinity of schools and residential areas. Recognising the importance of safety in these communities, the company launched an educational outreach program in 2018, targeting primary schools. The key objective was to introduce children to the basics of civil engineering while emphasising the importance of safety around construction sites. This initiative reflects AG Wilson’s broader commitment to social value and community welfare.

The Introduction of BeSafe Bert

In March 2023, AG Wilson introduced BeSafe Bert, a colourful construction worker mascot designed to captivate the attention of young children, particularly those in Key stage 1 (5-7 year olds). The decision to create BeSafe Bert was driven by the need to enhance engagement and retention of safety messages among the youngest pupils, who may find traditional presentations less engaging.

To foster community involvement and a sense of ownership, AG Wilson engaged the public through social media platforms to name their new mascot. The campaign invited followers to suggest and vote on names, generating significant interest and participation. After reviewing the suggestions and poll results, “BeSafe Bert” was chosen. This name not only reflects the mascot’s core mission of promoting safety but also honours AG Wilson’s director and founder, Bertie Wilson.

Program Implementation

The safety team at AG Wilson, supported by senior leadership, leads the educational visits to primary schools. The program is structured to be interactive and engaging, using a mix of presentations and activities. The key components of the visits include:

• An introduction to Civil Engineering, these sessions are tailored to be age-appropriate, ensuring that complex concepts are broken down into understandable and engaging content – Topics covered include the types of projects AG Wilson work on, the tools and equipment they use and the impact of these projects on the community. • Using visual aids, the team demonstrates the various hazards present on construction sites. This includes showing different types of equipment, explaining their uses and emphasising the importance of staying away from construction works areas.
• To reinforce the safety messages, the children are encouraged to participate in interactive activities i.e trying on PPE and awareness quizzes. Where feasible and subject to weather conditions, the company have brought along an item of plant machinery for the pupils to see up close and sit in the cab.
• BeSafe Bert plays a central role in the presentations, often being the character who “teaches” the children about safety. The mascot uses hand gestures to signify good or bad practice and his presence helps to maintain the children’s interest and makes the learning experience fun.
• Safety quizzes and Q&A sessions, allow children to ask questions and express their thoughts. This helps to ensure that they have understood the key messages and provides an opportunity for the AG Wilson team to clarify any queries.

Impact and Outcomes

Besafe Bert, was initially introduced to make the sessions more relatable and engaging for younger pupils, however he is equally as popular with the older children and teachers!

Since the introduction of BeSafe Bert, AG Wilson has observed a significant increase in the level of engagement and interest from the children. Teachers and parents have provided positive feedback and the company have found it encouraging to hear how much the children enjoy the visits along with reports of how eager they are to share their new safety knowledge with others.

Key outcomes of the program include:

Enhanced Safety Awareness: The program aims to educate children of the risks associated with construction sites and the measures they need to take to stay safe.

Community Relations: By proactively reaching out to schools, especially those near ongoing or upcoming projects, AG Wilson aim to strengthen its relationship with the local community. This proactive approach helps to build trust and demonstrates the company’s commitment to community welfare.

Social Value: The program underscores AG Wilson’s dedication to social value through its investment in the education and safety of the younger generation. The initiative not only focuses on safety but also sparks an interest in civil engineering among young children. This could potentially inspire future careers in engineering and related fields, contributing to the industry’s long-term growth.

Challenges and Solutions

Implementing such a program is not without challenges. One of the primary challenges is ensuring that the safety messages are appropriately tailored to the different age groups.

While BeSafe Bert has been instrumental in engaging younger pupils, older children require more detailed and technical information. To address these challenges, AG Wilson has adopted the following strategies:

Age-Appropriate Content: The safety team customises the content of the presentations to suit different age groups. For younger children, the focus is on basic safety principles and interactive activities, while older students receive more detailed information about civil engineering and safety procedures.

Continuous Improvement: Feedback from teachers, parents, and the children themselves is used to continuously refine and improve the program. This ensures that the content remains relevant and effective.

Collaboration with Schools: AG Wilson works closely with teaching staff to schedule visits at convenient times and to understand any specific needs or concerns the school might have. This collaboration ensures that the program is well-received and effectively implemented.

Expanding Reach Across Northern Ireland

Since the inception of their educational outreach program, AG Wilson has made a concerted effort to visit schools not only in the immediate vicinity of their Portadown headquarters but also across the broader province of Northern Ireland. This has included schools in Belfast, Newry, Crawfordsburn and Carrickfergus, ensuring a wide geographic coverage. These visits have allowed the company to impart crucial safety lessons to a diverse range of children, reflecting their commitment to community safety and education on a provincial scale. By reaching out to schools in various urban and rural areas, AG Wilson demonstrates its dedication to ensuring that safety awareness and educational opportunities in civil engineering are accessible to children throughout Northern Ireland.

Expanding BeSafe Bert’s Reach to Local Sports Clubs

In addition to visiting primary schools, BeSafe Bert has extended his influence by visiting local sports clubs, where he represents AG Wilson’s commitment to community engagement and youth development. These visits are part of a broader initiative where AG Wilson provides vital sponsorship for young athletes, supporting local sports teams and promoting physical activity and teamwork among the youth. The mascot’s presence at sports clubs helps to create a fun and supportive environment, encouraging young athletes to practice safety in their daily lives. This sponsorship and involvement in local sports further solidify AG Wilson’s role as a responsible business dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and engaged community.

Enhancing Internal Safety Culture

BeSafe Bert has also become an integral part of AG Wilson’s internal safety initiatives. The mascot attends Safety Stand Down Days, which are dedicated events where all company operations pause to focus on safety training and awareness for employees. The presence of BeSafe Bert at these events has not only made the training sessions more engaging but also helped to unify employees around a common goal of maintaining a safe working environment.

Future plans

As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to expanding and improving its BeSafe Bert initiative and looks forward to collaborating with Business in the community NI to enhance the programs reach and impact.

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