Students Build a Better Future

22nd August 2007 3:04pm - Return to press releases

The Aimhigher project funded East Riding College Constructions students to visit the Sheffield Hallam University.

Recently the Aimhigher Project funded a trip for 20 construction students and several members of staff from East Riding College at Carnaby to go on a visit to Sheffield Hallam University.

On arrival the students were given information about the various higher qualifications on offer in the building environment; specifically the HND and HNC in Building Studies and Construction Engineering.

The students were given a tour of the facilities and in particular the labs where they saw cement and bricks being made! After lunch the students headed over to Winter Gardens to check out the construction and in particular the joinery work.

Not many of the construction students had actually considered higher education but the trip did open their eyes to the possibility of going to University. For many of the students this was actually their first visit to a university.

Danny Walker, an advanced joinery student said ?I hadn?t thought about going to university but maybe in the future. This trip has provided me with a lot of information regarding my educational options and has definitely given me something to think about.?

Joe Tyson, an Advanced Apprenticeship student on NVQ Level 3 Joinery, enjoyed the trip and is interested in working towards an engineering degree. The Apprenticeship scheme enables Joe to work full time at Oak Timber Framed Buildings whilst attending East Riding College one day a week.

Joe also finds time to run the family farm in Snainton which is 500 acres! Joe said ?I am eager to move away from the Snainton area to broaden my horizons. My three brothers went away to University and I?d like to do the same.?

Most construction students usually enter higher education after obtaining a few years experience on site first. Therefore the trip made them aware of their options for the future. Many of the students were particularly interested to learn that they could attend University part time while continuing to work full time. The staff at Sheffield Hallam University were very impressed with the students? knowledge regarding construction.

A solid relationship was formed between the construction departments at Sheffield Hallam University and East Riding College, with plans to make the trip an annual event.