Member Article

Amble opportunity for construction students

A Newcastle based construction company has teamed up with a Northumberland school to provide work placements for six students.

Galliford Try Partnerships North will work with the students – aged between 16 and 17 years old – who are studying for a B Tec level 2 in Construction at James Calvert Spence College in Amble.

The placements at the town’s Dandsfield Square development, will enable them to gather information in support of their coursework, whilst experiencing life on a building site at first hand. The qualification will also provide these young people with a basis from which they can pursue careers in the construction industry.

Stephen Thompson, Head of Faculty at James Calvert Spence College said: “This is an excellent opportunity for our students, who will no doubt gain much experience from the placements.

“Galliford Try already hosted a half day visit which helped them to build on their knowledge and understanding of how a building evolves during the construction process. This experience proved invaluable when questions about this appeared on a recent exam paper.

“We hope that this link-up will continue and thrive, proving beneficial to both us as education providers and Galliford Try in the future, as they support us in teaching the next generation of construction professionals.”

The developer is working in partnership with Homes for Northumberland and Northumberland County Council to deliver 48 new affordable houses, bungalows and apartments on previously disused land next to Dandsfield Square.

Stephen McCoy, Managing Director, said: “It will be great to have these young people on site, to share our experience with them and to answer their questions. We regularly get involved in initiatives that encourage young people into the sector.”

“Construction is a fast growing and changing industry which offers a huge variety of career opportunities for both men and women. We want to showcase the kind of challenges and rewards it offers in order to encourage bright young people to make it their choice for working life.”

The creation of these work placements follows a highly successful Open Doors event held by the developer at two of its sites in Gateshead and Alnwick earlier this month. These open days – which were preceded by a visit from the Duchess of Northumberland– promoted the varied roles, responsibilities and opportunities that a career working in the built environment can offer.

Galliford Try is also holding a workshop and site visit with A-level students from James Calvert Spence College to discuss the further education options available to those working towards careers in disciplines such as architecture, surveying, design co-ordinance or estimating.

Cllr. Scott Dickinson, is the chair of governors at James Calvert Spence College and also the business chair of Northumberland County Council. He said: “It is great to see that Galliford Try are not just providing high quality and much needed homes in Amble but are also offering educational opportunities to young people in our community, enhancing their career prospects.

“Providing more affordable homes is a high priority for the council, and it is also giving these students an insight into what is involved in developing a local scheme like this.”

Kevin Lowry, Managing Director at Homes for Northumberland said: “This is a rare opportunity for young people in this area to gain first-hand experience, on site, for the relevant trades they are interested in. It is part of the ongoing community involvement and consultation we have encouraged at the development.

“Once complete the development will include a mix of one bedroomed-apartments, two bedroomed-bungalows and two and three bedroomed-houses, as well as play facilities for new and existing residents.

“The modern design of the properties demonstrates the forward thinking of the partnership between Northumberland County Council, Homes for Northumberland and Galliford Try.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .