CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW IS INSPIRED BY WATES INDUSTRY DAY

[ NEW CITY COLLEGE’S next generation of construction professionals, site workers and engineers were inspired during an Industry Day with Wates Construction.

Held at NCC’s Construction and Engineering Centre in Rainham in January, the day involved presentations for the students on future careers and how to access apprenticeships, as well as question and answer sessions, small group forums, workshops and practical tasks overseen by the Wates professionals.

As well as managers and directors from Wates, a large number of the company’s sub-contractors and former NCC students also gave up their time to visit the campus and speak to students, giving advice and guidance on what it is like to work in the industry.

Students on courses such as Construction & the Built Environment, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting & Decorating, and Multi-Skills really engaged with the sessions and got so much out of the day.

Many were offered work experience and further industry placements with the contractors and they had the chance to network and build connections with possible future employers.

Jane Nugent, work placement and work experience co-ordinator at New City College, said: “The students had a day they will not forget. They were given so much insight into the real world of site work and the expectations of this career pathway.

The practical carpentry workshop

“I hope this fantastic partnership between Wates and NCC continues to grow even stronger. I can’t thank the company enough for their support and for setting up all the exciting workshops and successful sessions and also for offering work experience opportunities for our students.” q