A group of students have been given hands-on experience of housebuilding at a special event hosted by David Wilson Homes in Stanford in the Vale.

17 students from King Alfred’s Academy visited the developer’s River Meadow development on Ware Road to try their hand at a variety of practical skills, whilst learning the ins and outs of the construction industry from the experienced site team.

Those attending the Have a Go Day, led by Site Manager James Futcher, were able to get a supervised taste of bricklaying and scaffolding, as well as receiving a tour of a view home. The students also saw a foundation digging demonstration and learnt about general site safety.

The visit was organised as part of David Wilson Homes’ outreach within the communities in which it builds, involving local groups in its projects to provide educational and enjoyable opportunities on site.                                                                                                                 

Rick Holroyd, Headteacher at King Alfred’s Academy, said: “I am delighted that we have forged such a strong and positive relationship with David Wilson Homes. This partnership is already proving invaluable to us, providing unique opportunities for our students to visit working construction sites to learn and gain experience from industry professionals.

“Our Construction course is a very important part of our Key Stage 4 offer to students, and attendance at the Have a Go Day was a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain an invaluable insight into so many aspects of a working construction site. Many thanks indeed to all at David Wilson Homes!”

In addition to gaining an active experience with experts in the industry, the students were able to learn about the ins and outs of the construction industry at a vital part of their time at school; ahead of considering their own career paths.

Rob Allen, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “Hosting events such as these allow us to give students a real insight into the diversity of work on offer in the housebuilding industry.

“It’s an important time for the students as they look to plan their own careers ahead of university, apprenticeships or working life, and we’re so pleased to have been able to give them a taste of what construction involves.”

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For more information about careers with David Wilson Homes, part of Barratt Developments, visit www.barrattcareers.co.uk/.

For more information about any nearby developments, call the David Wilson Homes sales team on 033 3355 8487. Alternatively, visit www.dwh.co.uk.