CONSTRUCTION students from Bishop Burton College have visited David Wilson Homes’ Derwenthorpe development in York to gain an insight into the working processes of a commercial site and opportunities within the construction industry.

The first year bricklaying pupils visited Derwenthorpe for an educational session led by senior site manager, John Atkin.

Beginning with an informative induction and talk through of the site plans and construction drawings, the students then had a full tour of the completed properties.

David Wilson Homes regularly invests in the training and education of young people in construction through college partnerships, as well as its apprenticeship, graduate and sponsored degree programmes.

This includes encouraging senior staff at its divisional office in York to take time out of their busy schedules to go and meet and support the next generation of skilled workers.

John Atkin, senior site manager at Derwenthorpe said: “I remember when I was starting out and in the same position as these students, so it is nice to give something back.

“Hopefully activities like this will help to inspire more young people to peruse a career in construction.

“Many are unaware of the number of opportunities available to them, so trips and talks like this are so important in giving students an insight into the housing industry.”

Andrew Goforth, head of construction at Bishop Burton College, said: “It is brilliant that David Wilson Homes’ staff have taken time out of their busy schedules to show our students around such an interesting site.

“Visits such as this are so valuable to our industry; getting out of the classroom, seeing potential careers in action and learning from the experts is inspiring for our students. It really helps them find out more about the course.

“It is important that skilled construction professionals support us in educating the workers of the future, as in turn they may enter into a career building the quality homes of the future.”