The David Wilson Construction Centre

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Created: Thursday, 30 January 2014 13:45

Written by christine

Officially opened on 28 January 2014.

The new Construction Centre funded by the David Wilson Foundation opened at Groby Community College on Tuesday 28 January 2014.

David Wilson (3rd in from the right) pictured with staff and students involved in the new Construction Centre

The new centre is designed to help students develop basic construction skills in partnership with Leicester College where expert teaching and progression routes at post 16 will help support those students wishing to access construction apprenticeships.

The practical skills developed at the centre are further enhanced by high quality teaching in literacy and mathematics which will prepare students well for future qualifications and life long learning.

The new construction centre has been made possible by an £80,000 donation from the David Wilson Foundation. Teaching in the centre commenced at the start of January 2014 where students are developing skills in the three main trades – bricklaying, plumbing and carpentry – in a realistic working environment with all of the tools and equipment linked to each trade available to them.

From September 2014 the centre will provide access for up to 50 students each year. Vocationally based courses delivered by the centre include BTEC Construction courses, with students taught by staff from Leicester College.  It is expected that the centre will be used by students across the campus at both KS3, 4 and 5.

Endorsing the new centre, David Wilson said: “A key aim of the David Wilson Foundation is to help young people acquire construction skills for their future. This new Construction Centre is the perfect example of that aspiration in action, giving young people an ideal introduction into the construction industry and the skills needed to succeed.”

Commenting on the future success of the centre, Ms Varnam, Groby Community College’s Curriculum Leader for Flexible Learning said: “The grant from the David Wilson Foundation has given the students who need it most on our campus an exciting opportunity to follow a programme in construction, which will play a part in significantly engaging those students who find it hardest to secure proper progression routes at college and long term employment.”

Not only will students develop knowledge and understanding as they work towards their qualifications, but they will also gain skills that will prove invaluable in their future careers.  We are so very grateful to The David Wilson Foundation in helping to make this Construction Centre a reality. This opportunity will help students to gain a real insight into the world of work and will help to provide them with relevant skills which will support them in securing long term jobs and a prosperous future.

David Wilson, CBE, DL established The David Wilson Foundation to support young people through education. Specifically the Foundation helps young people overcome barriers to succeed, develop skills in the construction industry and achieve their potential for a successful working life.

Mr Coles, Principal