Engineering students in Merseyside and Lancashire gained some construction industry career insight after guest lectures by housebuilder Wain Homes’ design director, Paul Flynn.
Paul visited Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes as part of the college’s Engineering Industry Week.
His lecture on planning, building regulations and construction technology gave students a real understanding of how the complex construction sector operates and how new housing developments are created, through every stage of design and build.
Sonia Tandon from Cronton Sixth Form College said: “Paul’s lesson was extremely informative for our Level 3 Construction learners who enjoyed the engagement from a professional who could show them how the real-world works.
“Paul supported the needs of our students, effectively exposing them to various opportunities through his delivery. We totally recommend this session.”
After word spread of the success of Paul’s first lecture, he was soon invited back on stage at Runshaw College in Leyland, delivering a presentation to T Level Civil Engineering students.
Stuart Hide, course leader at Runshaw College, said: “The T Level Design Surveying and Planning qualification that we run at Runshaw College gives students the opportunity to learn about buildings and how they are designed. Students are taught holistically through projects and build their skills in technical hand drawing, Computer Aided Design, sustainable design solutions and constructional science and mathematics.
“Thanks to Paul, our students learnt about different styles of residential property and how they are structurally designed, planned and constructed.
“Students were also shown Wain Homes’ design portfolio and how Wain’s approach to design encourages living spaces which allow families to enjoy and use spaces differently. Paul’s presentation will have a lasting impact on our engineering students.”
Paul has spent his career in architectural design and as design director at Wain Homes is responsible for overseeing the internal and external designs of many types of new homes being built across the length of the UK.
Talking about the sessions, Paul said: “Wain Homes is proud to support local education and I am sure the students will have gained valuable knowledge and broader insight into the construction industry.
“Construction is often overlooked as a potential career opportunity by young people, yet there are so many varied career options and excellent companies within the sector in which to craft a profession.
“Wain Homes welcomes apprentices at different levels, from school leavers to university graduates who want to further their careers or change career direction completely and we recognise that apprenticeships help our business to nurture future talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified work.
“The colleges are doing a great job of teaching the next generation of construction professionals and who knows, some may become my colleagues in the coming years.”
