Hard working students learn more about construction industry Monday, 21st August 2017

Hard working students hoping to build a successful career in the construction industry have been gaining valuable real-life experience that has put their academic skills to the test.

Students from Clacton Coastal Academy (CCA) have been visiting Ingleton Wood’s Colchester office twice a week as part of Class of Your Own’s Design Engineer Construct! (DEC!) – an accredited learning programme for secondary schools developed to inspire the next generation of built environment professionals.

John Haylett and Sam Boone have been working alongside our building surveying and building services teams, learning about all aspects of the industry including planning, design and project management.

Laura Mansel Thomas, Partner for Building Services, who has spearheaded the scheme, said: “We wanted students to see the vast array of roles within the construction industry, moving away from the misconception that you can be either a labourer or an architect, and helping to develop and nurture home grown talent.

“The students we have worked with have been of a consistently high quality, with great understanding of the construction industry, the key skills required and an infectious enthusiasm for learning. Their presence in the office is a real positive.

“The result is young people with real-world, practical experience and employable skills that will be of huge benefit in their future careers.”

As part of the collaboration, we have also supported Clacton Coastal Academy with job fairs and a coursework and feasibility presentation showcasing the DEC students’ work.

John, 17, said: “The placement at Ingleton Wood has been great. The advice and support from all members of the team has been invaluable. It’s given me a much better understanding of the opportunities available in the construction industry and has helped me to gain the practical experience that employers often look for.”

Sam Hodge, DEC course tutor at Clacton Coastal Academy, said: “We’re delighted to have this partnership in place. Our young people return to the classroom incredibly engaged and motivated and speak enthusiastically about how their studies can be transferred to the real world. We’re thrilled that our students are taking such an interest and looking to pursue careers in this important sector of the British and global economy.”