Barnes Construction lays foundation for college apprentices with materials donation

Why it matters: The donation means learners on the college's brickwork courses can now train with the same quality of materials used on live building sites, rather than relying on lower-grade practice supplies.

The details: Representatives from Barnes Construction visited the Brick Workshop at the Otley campus, where they met tutors and apprentices and saw their branding now displayed across the bricklaying area, which the firm has officially sponsored.

What they're saying: Mark Crisp, head of construction at Suffolk New College, said: "A massive thank you to Barnes Construction, one of our main industry partners, and their donation of £1,000 worth of materials in terms of blocks and timber. They have been very generous in giving our learners the best opportunity to use new products and it's as if they are actually working on site."

Liam Holding, 20, from Eye, who is completing a Level 3 brickwork apprenticeship, said: "You need good materials to make good work, so a big thanks to Barnes Construction."

Dan Mackenzie, associate divisional director at Barnes Construction, said: "It's good to get the opportunity to meet the tutors and learners and talk to them about careers in construction. As one of the biggest regional construction contractors, we want to create effective pathways for young people to take their first steps in their career. We also want to work with our supply chain to encourage them to take on more apprentices."

The bigger picture: The gift forms part of Suffolk New College's Industry Partnership Scheme, launched three years ago to connect learners with employers across East Anglia. More than 210 companies have signed up, including Ipswich.co.uk, each pledging to deliver at least three activities a year – from work experience and guest lectures to material donations.

Dr Emma Harvey, director of engineering, construction and building technology at Suffolk New College, said: "This is a wonderful example of the generosity of our industry partners who provide vital support to the college. These partnerships with local employers serve to bridge education and employment. Employers benefit from opportunities to shape the curriculum and ensure those entering the workforce have used industry standards resources, tools and equipment. Our learners get to spend time with future employers."

The bottom line: The donation gives Suffolk New College apprentices real-world materials to learn with, while strengthening a partnership scheme that now spans hundreds of employers across the region.

Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.

This article cost us ~£27 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.