Make-A-Wish: Joseph's story

Joseph from Aberystwyth, Wales was granted his wish to have a ‘mega’ construction vehicle experience, following his passion for all things construction.

Joseph was able to come to the National Construction College, arranged through The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Make-A-Wish UK. Make-A-Wish UK started in 1986 and was formed to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses in the UK.

Joseph had an operation to remove a brain tumour two years ago and has made an amazing recovery. Through his determination and the help of his family, he can now walk, speak and eat his favourite foods again. Joseph is still recovering so finds some activities hard, due to limited energy and mobility.

Joseph has been into construction machinery from a very early age. Joseph’s mum, Charlie, who is an ex-archaeologist said, “Joseph gets so excited when he sees construction vehicles travelling on the back of low loaders on the motorways, we are also building a construction area in the garden”. Joseph has limited energy and mobility so this experience was ideal for him being able to have a go in the plant machinery and on the simulators, which are used to teach students how to operate different plant vehicles before they get into the real thing.

CITB arranged for Joseph and his family to have a ride in a dump truck, ride in a loading shovel, operate a 360 excavator and to use the plant simulator suite to operate various cranes and earthmoving equipment. Joseph and his brother Cian were given goody bags containing mugs, models, toys, posters and framed pictures of the plant to take home with them.

Charlie said, “We were told before our visit that we would be able to have a go in the 360 and a ride in the dumper trucks as well as having a simulator experience, but this has exceeded our expectations, as we were able to dig and fill the dumper trucks up. I would say to any other children wanting to experience the construction industry to come along, it will no doubt inspire them. It is such an exciting but safe and controlled environment, and the simulators are like a high-tech game for them, way beyond anything they can play on game consoles.”

With so many exciting and rewarding careers in construction, it is no wonder that children like Joseph love construction. There are so many reasons to encourage your own child into construction!

Feeling inspired by Joseph's story? There are many ways to get involved with Make-A-Wish to help make wishes come true for children like Joseph. To find out more about organising a fundraising event such as a cake sale, participating in a challenge such as a run, or taking part in a volunteering opportunity, visit Make-A-Wish.