Construction students get hands-on with David Wilson Homes

March 1, 2018 / Keith Osborne
Construction students get hands-on with David Wilson Homes

National housebuilder David Wilson Homes recently gave construction students from Brockington College the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a special event at its New Lubbesthorpe development in Leicester.

Jo Ling, employment, skills and training coordinator for Blaby District Council, organised the day in conjunction with the housebuilder, with the aim of showing the students the different skills and processes involved in building a new home, and thereby inspire them to progress their studies to the next level or pursue a full-time career in housebuilding after leaving college.

Eight students met with the company team at the site and were given the opportunity to try their hands at a variety of construction skills, such as bricklaying, plastering and carpentry.

Following a tour of three ‘stock plots’ to give an overview of what trades are involved at the development,they were then split into two groups to try their skills at bricklaying. They also went through the crucial matter of safety at work and a Q&A session with site manager Karl Chandler as well as meeting with the rest of the site team to find out more about their skills and roles.

Rakesh Patel, associate assistant principal at Brockington College, says: “It was delightful for Brockington College to be involved with this initiative from David Wilson Homes. It gave our students a valuable employer encounter which I firmly believe will make them more employable in the future.

“The students also learned the various routes they could take to enter the sector which is invaluable. We hope to build and maintain a strong working relationship with David Wilson Homes and would relish the opportunity to be involved in any future initiatives.  We would like to thank David Wilson Homes for their kind invitation which has helped strengthen the employability of our students.”

John Reddington, managing director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, says: “We’re always on the lookout for the homebuilders of the future, and we wanted to give local students a glimpse of what it’s like to work on a new homes development like New Lubbesthorpe. By hosting ‘have a go’ days like these, we hope to encourage keen individuals to consider a career in the housebuilding industry. We hope that the students at Brockington College had a good day with our team and that they all took away some useful information.”

Brockington College student Daisie, says: “I have learnt just how many trades are involved in completing one house. I know I want to get site experience and I can do this through an apprenticeship.”

Did you like this? Share it: