The programme is a great opportunity for budding builders of the future to gain valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry.
Students are required to accumulate fifty days work experience over the duration of the two year course in order to increase their awareness of the diversity of the industry and the careers available to them.
Willmott Dixon's first work experience visit took place at the Taylor Road Primary School development site and involved ten students studying the BTEC First National Diploma in Construction at Riverside and Longslade Community Colleges.
The students were treated to a site tour of the production processes and were also given the chance to develop their trade skills, with a master class on bricklaying and plastering, learning essential techniques for best practice.
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Virginia Toon, young apprentice programme manager said: "We are so grateful that a company like Willmott Dixon is willing to share expertise and knowledge with our students. It gives us a boost to see so many young people understanding the importance of what we do and wanting to be part of our industry. They are better prepared for the challenges of working life having taken part in activities like this - it really brings it home to them what working in construction can be like and the options open to them."
Karl Karoly, construction manager at Willmott Dixon added: "Holding the visit has been a very rewarding experience for the Willmott Dixon team. It is great to play an influential part in the future of construction and I hope the students will build on the skills they have learnt today.
"They have shown passion and enthusiasm for the industry and the various trades open to them. This is very promising, they certainly have the potential to emerge as skilled workers of the future."
The day was such a success that Willmott Dixon is running a follow up work experience visit for a further eleven students on 7th July. These work experience visits will count as part of an approved training programme for the students' apprenticeship, assisting their ongoing studies and helping them achieve the BTEC qualification.
(GK/JM)
