Students from Wiltshire College & University Centre have been given first-hand experience of the housebuilding industry after visiting the King’s Water development in Ashton Keynes with Bewley Homes.
The visit saw bricklaying and carpentry students tour the live construction site, gaining insight into the different stages of the build process while speaking directly with site teams and subcontractors about careers within the industry.
The tour was led by Bewley Homes Contracts Manager Rob Fletcher, who shared knowledge gained from more than 20 years working in construction. Rob, who qualified as a carpenter at Swindon College aged 19, spoke to students about his own route into the industry and the opportunities available within housebuilding.
During the visit, students were able to see homes at different stages of construction and learn more about the range of skills involved in delivering a major housing development.
Mel Sweetman, Head of Department for Construction at Wiltshire College & University Centre, praised the company for helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experience. “We are incredibly grateful to Bewley Homes for giving our students this fantastic opportunity. Housebuilders like Bewley should be applauded for taking the time to show students around a live site and answer their questions,” said Mel.
“Housebuilders like Bewley should be applauded for taking the time to show students around a live site and answer their questions”
Bewley Homes Managing Director Andrew Brooks said the initiative forms part of the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the future of the construction industry.
“This is all about inspiring young people into housebuilding. It’s well known that we have a significant skills shortage across the construction industry and we need to engage with students and showcase the opportunities available,” he said. “Giving students the chance to visit a live site and speak with subcontractors who have built successful careers in the industry helps spark interest and demonstrates the wide range of skills and opportunities available within housebuilding.”
Bewley Homes has been working with colleges across the regions where it operates to help encourage more young people to consider careers in construction and housebuilding.
Following the visit, Wiltshire College & University Centre has invited senior members of the Bewley Homes team to meet students again to discuss the wider range of careers available within the sector and share more about their own professional experiences.
For more information visit Wiltshire College & University Centre or Bewley Homes.
