Construction students get to grips with real-world

Published by Jenny George for Two Rivers Housing in Education and also in Communities, Housing

With young people in the Forest of Dean finding it hard to gain employment in the current economic climate, a new work experience programme has been set up by The Royal Forest of Dean College’s construction training department to help rectify this problem.

Following a recent visit to Canada, RFDC lecturer Dave Auker-Howlett witnessed the way in which full time construction students are taught by using real life working experiences. The experiences he had has motivated him into setting up similar programmes of learning at RFDC.

RFDC Construction has initiated an exciting partnership with local housing association Two Rivers Housing.

After approaching Two Rivers Housing it was found that they had a positive view on young people accessing training alongside Industry, and one of their housing projects could be used to enhance this training.

Vicki Wright, Head of Development and Homeownership said:

“Two Rivers’ is keen to support learning opportunities for young people and help them find a route into the workplace. Our robust development programme presents a range of potential placement opportunities which we are confident will be of use to construction students. We’re excited by the prospect of working with RFDC on this project and we’re currently exploring funding options together to get onsite training placements off the ground.”

RFDC construction students, in the next academic year, will have the opportunity to work alongside contractors working on Two Rivers’ Cornish homes redevelopment project throughout the Forest. Full time Level 2 students in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrical will be placed with contractors once a week throughout their course. Full time Level 1 students could also have the chance of work experience if they are competent and school Diploma students will be able to gain valuable experience by constant site visits.

“This programme will help students interact with employers and the community and provide them with valuable experience which will help them gain their qualification and possibly employment” said Dave Auker-Howlett