As part of The Point’s collaboration with CITB, Level 1 and 2 Bricklaying students at Kidderminster College recently had the chance to visit a local Barratt Homes development in Stourport.
The visit stemmed from a recommendation by Tracy Dent, our Work Experience Coordinator, to Sam Elford, CITB. A demonstration of CITB’s commitment to empowering the next generation of construction workers, Sam arranged for our students to meet the Site Manager, Health and Safety Manager and other key personnel on-site for a detailed, guided tour.
Due to the nature of the site, students were able to see all stages of the house-building process, from vacant lots that had only recently had their foundations completed to the finished product of the show home and other near-completion homes. Techniques, methods, materials, tools and a variety of real-world workplace scenarios were discussed with students to provide a truly unique experience for them.
“It is important that we all work collaboratively to give Construction students an introduction to working on a live site”
Sam explained “In order to address the skills gap and retain young talent in the Construction industry, it is important that we all work collaboratively to give Construction students an introduction to working on a live site once they have finished their college course. The visit went well and was really informative for the bricklayers that were involved. We hope that this will lead to some of the students securing apprenticeships in the industry.”
As we head towards September, it’s an important time for all NCG colleges as we recruit the next generation of bricklaying students, apprentices and the employers who will give these new apprentices their first steps into the industry.