BUILDING SKILLS FOR LIFE

to learn about a variety of building features and skills in use at the live building site.

Following on from the successful partnership between Gloucestershire College, Tewkesbury Launchpad and building contractor Speller Metcalfe, this opportunity is one of many initiatives by the group aimed at building skills and experience for young people in industry.

The students and the Mayor were given a site tour by Speller Metcalfe Managing Director Andy Metcalfe and Site Manager Steve Yapp, who explained the building processes and features within the new classroom buildings and external areas.

Craig Bloxsome, Course Lecturer at Gloucestershire College said: “This is an invaluable opportunity for our students to learn about construction on a live building site – they understand how processes develop in more detail when they can see how it works in reality. It is an important step towards bridging the gap between what happens in a classroom and putting it into practise.”

The new Alderman Knight site is being redeveloped following extension works to the current school. Improvements include two brand new classroom buildings for all Key Stages, as well as remodelling of the existing building and an additional life skills apartment for older pupils.

Andy Metcalfe, Managing Director for Speller Metcalfe said: “It is important that young people within our industry have the opportunities to work with leading professionals, enabling them to understand working practises and how they can integrate them into their own learning.

“To have the support of the Mayor is invaluable and demonstrates Tewkesbury’s commitment to working with young people and developing their skills and resources – regardless of age or needs.”