Gatley-based development and construction partner, Rowlinson, is offering a group of students from Stockport College real world on-site experience.
Working in small groups, students have been given the opportunity to take part in live construction activity at the Centre for Living Well development, located next to the college.
Two of the eight supported housing units on the ground floor have been temporarily taken off programme to facilitate student learning, with the areas segregated from the main construction site to makes sure all relevant health and safety protocols are maintained.
During a recent visit, students were tasked with plastering walls within the project, giving them direct experience of working on a live construction site.
Students studying trades at Stockport College are benefitting from on-site work alongside their classroom learning.
They have also had opportunities to observe other aspects of construction, such as electrical installations, helping them gain a wider understanding of how projects are delivered
James Hollingworth, Lecturer in Construction and Sustainability at Trafford & Stockport College Group, said, “It’s really important that we bring students onto projects like this to give them real-life industry experience. We can only show them so much in college workshops, but being on-site is the next best thing to employment.
“On one of the apartments we are working on, the students are directly responsible for the walls. We’re keeping things manageable while ensuring learners deliver a high quality finish that meets client expectations.”
Mackenzie, a Level 2 Plastering student at Stockport College, added, “We’ve prepped and skimmed the walls, and now we’re waiting for them to dry before finishing them. When I leave college, I want to go into full-time plastering and hopefully build a career.”
Steve Weir, Chief Operating Officer at Rowlinson, added, “We’re thrilled to have made this possible. With full support from our partners, we’ve taken the units off programme so that these young people can gain solid, site-based experience. This will help them develop the practical skills that employers are looking for.”
The activity is taking place at the Centre for Living Well development, which is being delivered by Stockport Council, with funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Homes England. It has been designed by PRP and is being constructed by Rowlinson.
This scheme forms part of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation’s wider vision to deliver 8,000 new homes across Stockport town centre over the next 15 years.
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills at Stockport Council, said, “Our UK-leading town centre regeneration is creating real opportunities for local people that wouldn’t exist without the scale of transformation underway.
“By working with Rowlinson and Trafford & Stockport College Group, we have opened up a live construction environment for young people, giving them the skills, confidence and experience they need to build lasting careers.
“Through our One Stockport Construction Hub, we’re bringing partners together to unlock opportunities like this across the borough. As the Hub grows, we will continue to develop more innovative ways to enable access to construction skills and careers for young people, those facing barriers to employment and under-represented groups.
“These Stockport College students aren’t just observing change, they are actively contributing to it, helping to shape a new intergenerational neighbourhood that will support residents to live healthy, independent lives for years to come.”
Paul Worthington, Director of Property at Stockport Homes, says, “SHG has a strong tradition of supporting apprentices and trainees across the business. This is mirrored by our supply chain partners, who recognise that giving students opportunities to learn on-site practical skills is essential to their qualifications and knowledge. We are really pleased to be involved in the initiative.”