Students provided with valuable work experience

Published by Craig Downs for Keepmoat in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Six undergraduate students from universities across theMidlandshave been given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience within the construction industry thanks to housing and regeneration specialist, Keepmoat.

The students, who have already completed two years of their university degrees, commenced their 12-month work placements this week and will learn all trades with a view to becoming future managers within the sector.

As part of their studies, each student will keep a diary of the work that they have undertaken and the experience they have gained.  In return, Keepmoat will provide health and safety training, experienced onsite supervision and the opportunity to learn essential skills to become managers.

The scheme is part of Keepmoat’s commitment to invest in future generations for the industry and to boost the local economy. All students will work on a Keepmoat development site to gain first hand experience and develop their understanding of the wider industry.

The six new-starters will work on a range of sites from Decent Homes works across the East and West Midlands to the government initiative, CESP (Community Energy Savings Programme) scheme in Birmingham, where Keepmoat is currently delivering energy saving home-improvement works.

Commenting on their new employment, Derby University student, Francesca Babbington, said: “This will be a fantastic opportunity for all of us to gain real experience, if it wasn’t for companies like Keepmoat offering to take students for placements, the industry would ultimately suffer.”

Kevin Bradley, Head of Planning at Keepmoat Midlands and Wales who organised and co-ordinated the implementation of the placements plans, said: “These work placements are a great opportunity for all students to learn new skills and gain first hand experience of working within the construction sector.

“Each student will learn all the necessary skills to progress their careers with a view to becoming managers within the sector.  They will be involved in every step of the process from attending client meetings, visiting tenants in their homes to ordering stock.”

Krystyna Nosek, Business Engagement and Placement Manager at Wolverhampton University, said: “We’ve established a long working relationship with Keepmoat, it’s worked so well because they understand the value of these students and what they can bring to the company. The process is beneficial to all involved.” 

The work placements are a requirement for each of the students’ degrees and upon completion of a successful placement, they will graduate next year.