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Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) construction students are laying the foundations for their future careers after recently receiving visits from a number of construction companies/employers as part of their ongoing course. 

Harper Construction, Green Square Accord, Redditch Borough Council and St Modwen have all visited the College’s Redditch based Alliance House Construction Centre to meet with students, look at the work they are doing and offer help and advice to positively impact the students’ learning.  

The response to these visits has been amazing as it has opened a range of exciting and interesting opportunities.   

Harper Construction worked with the College to offer 24 meaningful work experience opportunities which started on the 25th April. During the placements students are helping to build the first council houses in Redditch for over 20 years.  George Harris, a Level 2 Bricklaying student, has recently completed his placement and has been guaranteed a job once he has successfully completed his course – an amazing achievement that helps to highlight just how important these opportunities are for the students' futures. 

In addition, Redditch Borough Council are offering students work experience on void properties due to start in September.  

Green Square have also kindly offered potential work experience opportunities and have agreed to supply surplus materials to the departments to offer support and help enhance the students' learning experience.  

Students have also been given the opportunity to visit St Modwen's sites in Worcestershire and Stratford Upon Avon to gain some real-life work experience and get an up-close look and understanding of what it’s like to work in construction. 

These work experience opportunities will allow the students to gain first-hand experience on a site and will include bricklaying, site carpentry, plumbing and plastering. They will also be given an insight into construction site management and get an understanding of where their trade fits into different projects. 

When asked about his work experience, George stated: 

“I have really enjoyed learning new things and having the opportunity to be on a real site. I loved the environment and the team that I worked with were amazing. During my placement I primarily did drainage, learning how to take direction and I also learnt about reading the drawings and plans. I have gained and improved on many skills during this process which includes organisation, communication and social skills. My placement has also helped my confidence and has highlighted my excellent timekeeping skills. I feel I have gained more of an insight into how the industry works outside of college and that has pushed me towards wanting to continue in this industry. This was an excellent opportunity given to me through the WEX program.” 

Ann Isherwood, Work Experience and Job Coach at Heart of Worcestershire College, also added: 

“As the work experience & job coach at Heart of Worcestershire College I am overwhelmed with the support and opportunities that the students have been shown by local companies. In years to come our students will look back at properties and have pride in the fact that they helped build it to provide homes for the residents of Redditch. Our students are tomorrow's workforce, Employees, Employers and Leaders – let's do what can now to give them the opportunities and support that they need.” 

These are some fantastic opportunities for HoW College’s construction students as it allows them to gain real experience and introduces them to different types of employers and what opportunities that the employer/ sector holds.