CONSTRUCTING CAREERS WITH HEART OF WORCESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
As part of their course, all Level 2 and Level 3 year one Engineering and Construction students are required to undertake a work placement of 30 hours minimum to increase their understanding of future career opportunities and support their work based skills, allowing them to successfully progress into employment.
Mark Seyler, Work Placement Officer at HoW College commented on the value of these placements;
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work on such a prestigious project in Worcester City. Work placements help significantly increase employability skills and are an integral part of all our study programmes. I would like to thank Speller Metcalfe and Worcester City Council for supporting this.”
Brendon Taylor, Level 2 Wood Occupation student explains the value of these placements;
“This placement will give me an insight on what it’s like to be a carpenter working at a construction site. Working in a busy environment, I will learn more about the importance of health and safety hazards and the importance of working with others. This will look brilliant on my CV and will help me find a job when I finish my course.”
Alex Lloyd, Level 3 Electrical Installation student is also looking forward to the placement;
“This placement will compliment what I have learnt during my course. I’m really looking forward to gaining further experience and have a better understanding of what it is like to work onsite.”
The partnership between the organisations will also see Speller Metcalfe provide site tours for the learners and deliver talks about the skills and attribute needed for a successful career in the construction industry.
“We’re delighted to welcome students from the Heart of Worcestershire College to join Speller Metcalfe on our site,” said Tom Isgar, Management Trainee at Speller Metcalfe.
“Practical experience is obviously a key factor for anyone learning a trade or new skill – something I am undertaking through my own learning at Speller Metcalfe – and with the current skills shortage the construction industry is facing, it’s really important that we continue to train and support other apprentices and students coming through the ranks.”
Worcester City Council has contributed to the programme costs.
“Creating pathways for people to get into employment for the first time is a key priority for the City Council,” says Cllr Geoff Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity.
“This joint initiative is an excellent example of how the private and public sector can work together to help local people develop the skills they need to secure jobs.”