About Us
About The Orange ToolBox
At The Orange ToolBox, we believe every child has the potential to build, create and thrive.
Based at our purpose-built workshop in Blackboys, East Sussex, we deliver multiple construction workshops each week for children and young people aged 2–16 years, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our unique child-led approach encourages every member to explore, create and learn at their own pace, supported by experienced instructors who guide and encourage them throughout their journey.
As The Orange ToolBox has grown, so has our reach. Alongside our award-winning workshop, we have launched our Mobile Division, bringing our hands-on construction experiences directly into schools, clubs and communities across the South East. By taking The Orange ToolBox on the road, we're able to make practical construction education more accessible than ever before, inspiring even more children to develop confidence, practical life skills and a passion for creating.
We are a multi-award-winning construction skills education provider, offering hands-on, child-led construction workshops for children and young people aged 2–16 years, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our workshops provide a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where children can develop practical skills, grow in confidence and discover a passion for learning through real-life construction experiences.
Founded by Ben Hurst, who has over 22 years of experience within the construction industry, The Orange ToolBox was created with one clear vision: to give children opportunities to learn by doing.
Unlike traditional learning environments, our workshops follow a child-led approach. We don't believe every child should build the same project or learn in exactly the same way. Instead, we instruct, support and encourage our members to follow their own ideas, solve problems independently and develop practical skills at a pace that suits them.
Our experienced team is always on hand to guide, challenge and encourage, helping every child build confidence as well as projects.
Whether it's a first-time builder picking up a hammer or a budding engineer designing their own creation, every child is given the opportunity to explore, experiment and succeed.
What Our Members Can Learn
Our workshops introduce children to a wide variety of practical construction skills and trades, including:
- Construction Skills
- Carpentry & woodworking
- Bricklaying
- Plumbing
- Electrical installation
- Roofing
- Tiling
- Landscaping
- Painting & decorating
- Construction design
- Tool safety and correct tool use
- Measuring and marking out
- Project planning
- Engineering challenges
- Problem-solving through construction
- Practical Life Skills
- Confidence and self-belief
- Creativity and imagination
- Independent thinking
- Communication skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Resilience and perseverance
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Health and safety awareness
- Critical thinking
- Responsibility
- Leadership
- Pride in achievement
Every session is different because every child is different. Our members are encouraged to explore their own ideas while developing skills that will benefit them throughout education, employment and everyday life.
Supporting Families, Schools & Communities
The Orange ToolBox is proud to work with:
- Families
- Schools
- Home educating families
- Local authorities
- Community organisations
- Children's services
Alongside our regular workshops, we also deliver:
- Weekly construction workshops
- Holiday clubs
- Tiny Tools sessions (ages 2–4)
- Alternative Provision (AP)
- Mobile construction workshops
- School workshops
- Community engagement events
- Private group sessions
We are passionate about making practical education accessible to every child and continue to expand our services across the South East.
Awards & Recognition
The Orange ToolBox is proud to be recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of practical construction skills education for children.
Since opening in September 2024, our commitment to innovation, inclusion and excellence has been recognised through multiple regional and national awards.
Our Awards
🏆 Best Construction Skills Educator of the Year 2026/2027
Prestige Awards 2026/2027
🏆 Community Engagement Excellence Award 2026 – South East England
BUILD Magazine Construction & Engineering Awards 2026
🏆 Best Construction Skills Educator – South East England 2026
BUILD Magazine Construction & Engineering Awards 2026
🏆 Construction Workshop of the Year 2025
Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2025
🏆 Best Construction Skills Educator – South East England 2025
BUILD Magazine Construction & Engineering Awards 2025
🌟 Finalist – Best Children's Business in Sussex 2026
Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026
These awards recognise our commitment to providing outstanding, inclusive construction education while making a lasting difference to the lives of children, families and our local community.
Looking Ahead
As an officially registered company, The Orange ToolBox continues to grow and evolve.
We are expanding our mobile construction workshops, strengthening partnerships with schools and local authorities, increasing community engagement opportunities and creating even more ways for children to experience the benefits of practical, hands-on learning.
Every child deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of. At The Orange ToolBox, we're proud to help them build practical skills, confidence and resilience that will last a lifetime.
Our Mission
Build Skills. Build Confidence. Build the Future.