Wakefield students on-the-job with Wates

17 May, 2011

Students from Wakefield College put down their note pads and stepped off campus this week to learn a few tricks of the trade from Wates Construction, on the site of the new Scientific Support Unit (SSU) in Calder Park, Wakefield.

Currently working towards the BTEC National Diploma in Construction, 50 level one, two and three students were welcomed to the SSU site where Wates Construction delivered the first of a series of six in-depth practical workshops with the college. Following the workshops, ten of the level 3 students were also given the chance to take part in five-day work experience placements with Wates.

Putting theory into practice, the workshops aimed to give students valuable insight into the management and delivery of complex building projects. Planning and design in construction, building methods and materials and project delivery are some of the topics being covered, with the students also learning about the organisational structure of a large company such as Wates Construction.

The ten lucky level three students who went on to carry out work experience with Wates were given the opportunity to shadow professionals in the industry, spending five days with Quantity Surveyors, Project Management, and production and engineering staff on site at the SSU. Students were given experience in project planning, construction procedures and health and safety. This forms part of Wates Construction’s wider Training and Employment Plan, accredited by the National Council for Work Experience.

Dave Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction, Yorkshire, commented: "Passing industry knowledge onto young minds is an invaluable means of investing in the region’s future workforce. Construction of the West Yorkshire Police’s new Scientific Support Unit is a significant and prestigious project for Wates, and to be able to use this scheme to help up-skill local students and enhance their employability, enables us to go above and beyond our brief and considerably contribute to the area."

Detective Superintendent Adam Nolen of West Yorkshire Police’s Scientific Support commented: "West Yorkshire Police has worked along side Wates Construction to ensure that the project delivers wider value to the community. The link with Wakefield College is a great example, as is the strong focus on employing contractors from the local area."

What’s more, Wates Construction’s presence in Wakefield has seen the contractor work closely with Wakefield Hospice, having so far donated a grand total of £1,200 to the cause. The site team will also be taking part in the three peaks challenge in a bid to continue raising funds for the charity.

Categories: national delivery, CR, people, events, north east

Tags: North East, SSU Wakefield, Wakefield College