<p>This week plumbing learners from our Construction Career Excellence Hub, were treated to a visit from German specialist tool manufacturers, REMS.</p><p>Daniel Parker, Regional Product Engineer at REMS, delivered a brilliant guest talk, whilst also showcasing the wide product range on offer. Daniel said: “It was a real pleasure to show off our product range to the next generation of Plumbing and Heating Engineers, the lads were really enthusiastic and a real credit to the College.”</p><p>The learners were all engaged, and enjoyed hearing from the industry – something that is a critical part of the delivery at Weston College, through the Career Excellence Hubs.</p><p>Ethan Sampson, who is a second year plumbing and heating technician apprentice with Gas Safe Ltd, was in attendance and commented: “I really enjoy it when manufacturers come in and do demonstrations because it really helps me to relate our theory lessons, and look at the new products on the market we will be using in future within the plumbing industry. When I talk to other people in the industry, they have told me that they didn’t receive this type of support at college.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… you would like to find out more about the courses we offer in plumbing, click here.</a></p>

<p>Scaffolding apprentices training at the Construction Training Centre, are going from strength to strength.</p><p>Before the Construction Training Centre opened, learners from the South West had long distances to travel in order to gain scaffolding accreditation, but now that is not the case.</p><p>Delivered in partnership with SIMIAN, the Scaffolding Apprenticeship is accredited to the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). On the apprenticeship, learners develop their knowledge and work-based skills focusing on health and safety; handling, stacking, servicing and inspecting scaffolding materials.</p><p>Last year we started working Apex Scaffolding, and four of their apprentices are thriving as a result.</p><p><strong>Curtis</strong> is currently at Stage 1a of his apprenticeship. He is particularly enjoying the hands-on aspect of the course and being part of a team that allows him to gain the valuable skills necessary for supporting colleagues as and when needed.</p><p><strong>Kieran and Sam</strong> are currently at Stage 1b of their course, and both enjoy the wide variety of sites and project that a scaffolding career allows them to work on.</p><p><strong>Charlie</strong> is in the very initial stages of his apprenticeship but is eager to learn more throughout the course at the Weston centre.</p><p>Matthew Cousins, Commercial Director at Apex Scaffolding, has said: “For anyone who is considering the apprenticeship route to becoming a scaffolder, the team have shown they’re able to provide excellent tuition, especially when candidates require the extra functional skills course of English and Maths.”</p><p><a href="https://www.construction-training-centre.co.uk/training/scaffolding/sca… out more about the scaffolding apprenticeships on offer at the Construction Training Centre, by clicking here.</a></p>

<p>As part of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a> Celebration week, we caught up with some learners in their second year of the Construction T Level course.</p><p>When asked about the process behind choosing a T Level, one learner told us “I’d heard a lot about T Levels while I was doing my A Levels and once I finished, I was fairly directionless as I knew I didn’t want to go to university. I thought I may as well give them a go and find out, and I’m so glad I did – the mix between the theory and practice works so well for me! Putting what you’ve learnt into context in the wider world is so rewarding, and something you don’t get on your average construction course.”</p><p>One of the key elements that learners study on the T Level course, is sustainability in construction; adapting to the new environmentally-friendly ideas and building techniques that are being introduced. However, they know that with time and practice, these new ideas will become second nature. The learners pointed out that one of the many benefits of completing a construction qualification, is that these new techniques are taught to the new generation of tradesmen and become the norm.</p><p>The learners emphasised how lucky each of them were with the placements they were able to secure: “All the people I work with are great, and have taught me so much about the day-to-day realities of working on site – things you wouldn’t necessarily learn in a classroom. I also think it’s so important to feel part of the team and valued for the work that you’re contributing.”</p><p>Having high quality construction learners is so important and furthermore, having learners with a focus on being environmentally friendly is ideal.</p><p>We can’t wait to see the successes our T Level learners have, we know they’re going to have very bright futures!</p>