Member Article

Seddon gets Stockport College construction students industry-ready

Students from Stockport College recently visited the £12m industrial park development, Aurora Stockport, to experience working life on the Seddon construction site.

The ten apprentices met the contractor, Seddon, to gain insight into the day-to-day delivery of the major construction project for Stockport Council.

They were joined by Seddon’s head of training, Tony Costello, Stockport College deputy principal, Amanda Kennedy, and councillors from Stockport Council.

During the tour, Seddon presented the students with 30 hard hats and full PPE gear to assist their learning.

The visit cemented a commitment between Seddon and Stockport College that aims to help improve construction education for local young people.

As part of the partnership, Seddon is sponsoring a brickwork training facility at the college, which is designed to replicate real working conditions and deliver an immersive learning experience.

Construction tutors from the college will be spending time at the Aurora Stockport site, to keep on top of the latest industry standards and ensure the college’s training is of the highest quality.

Seddon will also lead working groups to discuss the industry, best practice and legislation with college staff.

Tony Costello, head of training at Seddon, said: “As an industry mentor to Stockport College we are able to offer students real world experiences like this and play an active role in enhancing construction skills and development in the region. It’s important that Seddon continues to support the training of young people in the areas where we work to provide opportunities that will have a lasting, positive impact on the industry.”

Amanda Kennedy, deputy principal of Stockport College, said: “Building successful partnerships with local organisations that operate on a national scale such as Seddon provides an abundance of opportunities for our staff, students and local community. With the continued support of Seddon we are able to embed the fundamental skills and knowledge found within the construction industry directly into our curriculum, enhancing our education provision and overall employability of students.

“With the resources generously provided by Seddon we are able to clearly demonstrate the effective relationship between industry and education. Our students have the proven determination and expertise to establish a successful career within the construction industry and we are wholly appreciative of the lasting involvement Seddon has had on inspiring our next generation of industry professionals.”

Councillor Kate Butler, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “It’s great to see local young people benefiting from the work taking place at Aurora Stockport as industry and education work together. The skills and experience students gain from visits like this are invaluable as they pursue their future careers in construction.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Louis Almond .