AN OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY PARTNER PARTNERS INDUSTRY

Wates Construction (a valued Salford City College Group Industry Partner) is delivering Salford Star Academy in Little Hulton. The new 750-pupil secondary school is part of the Government’s free school programme, aiming to deliver new schools in growing areas, and will sit on the six-acre site left vacant by the demolition of Hulton High School in 2009.

Being delivered through the four-year Department for Education ‘Modern Method of Construction’ Framework and designed by Sheppard Robinson, this two-story school will span 62,000 square feet, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including an allweather pitch and sports hall.

Engaging with Salford City College Group’s Industry Partners programme, which was rolled out in late 2022 to develop strong partnerships between employers and the College, Wates delivered a presentation to students at City Skills to our business and professional construction students. After the presentation, students from Salford City College Group were invited to informal interviews with Jenny Robinson (Community Investment Advisor) and Jamie Bawden (Project Manager) with the possibility of securing a prestigious placement with Wates on the Star Salford project.

We are delighted that Jess and Dylan, two of our level 3 professional construction students from FutureSkills at MediaCityUK, secured these placements and began their on-site placements in November. These students now work with Wates for two days per week alongside their college timetable.

ALLAN MILNE Director of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement

“Wates are a fantastic industry partner, committed to going above and beyond to support our students. They have played a key role in our Employer Curriculum Boards, accommodated our staff for industry development days and offered outstanding work experience opportunities to our students. This support is invaluable, ensuring significant enhancement of our provision, ensuring our students are better prepared for industry needs”.

Jessica, 18 from Eccles says “My placement at Wates has helped me to gain an understanding of the challenges involved when planning and progressing a construction project. I feel that I have learned more about construction sites and how they work by physically being there and watching it in action, putting the theory learnt in the classroom into practice. Wates have provided me with incredible knowledge and opportunities since starting last November. One of these opportunities I will soon receive is to gain experience in my ideal construction route, and will be getting that experience with their partnered architect team, Sheppard Robson”.

Dillion, 17 and living a stones-throw from site says “My placement on the Star Salford Academy site is giving me a great insight into what I want for myself in the years to come. I wish to begin an Apprenticeship in Project Management or Civil Engineering after finishing my Level 3. I have found the ground works side really interesting since being on placement, being able to listen in on the meetings and when walking around site. I am looking forward to seeing the site progress and how the build turns out”.