T Level students look to the future at West Vale
01/12/2023
It was a pleasure to welcome local T Level students for a behind-the-scenes look at our West Vale affordable housing development, helping them learn about the scheme and careers their construction studies can lead to.
The project team recently hosted twenty young people studying the Design, Surveying and Planning course at Oldham College.
Jamie Smith, Construction Manager here at First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and Naomi Martin-Smith, our Learning and Development Coordinator, led a presentation about the West Vale build. Project Manager, Pat Farnan at Caddick Construction Group, then gave a site tour showing the students exactly what goes into the planning and delivery of a residential build of this kind.
Among the young people to join us was Luke Martin, who has secured a T Level placement with our Development team this year. Luke says the site visit helped him gain a better understanding of the construction process:
“It was a great opportunity for me to see first-hand the application of some of the subjects I am currently learning and will in the future. It helped to reinforce my passion for development, especially with the additional insight into why the decision was made to re-develop the site on Vale Drive. Right now, I would like to become an architect. However, as I continue to explore new areas, this goal may evolve, as many elements of development interest me."
Reflecting on the session, Jamie Smith said: “The group joined us at an exciting time – the apartment block structure is progressing fast and the timber-frame houses are moving forward too. We wanted to demonstrate the breadth of activity happening on site, what we’re doing to increase the amount of much-needed new housing locally, and how important sustainability is to our plans.
“We’re delighted to be working with Oldham College to host visits like this - helping students to gain valuable knowledge to accompany learning in the classroom and support their future career pathways.”
Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director at Caddick Construction Group commented: “Providing young people with real opportunities to develop their skills, expertise and personal growth is so important to the next generation of leaders. Passing on our knowledge is the only way to future-proof our industry; it’s also an incredible way of bringing in fresh ideas, embracing new ways of thinking and increasing diversity, and at Caddick we’re dedicated to making these opportunities available across all our construction sites”.
