Morgan Sindall Property Services constructs learning opportunities for students

Last week 24 local students from Beauchamps High School built on their classroom knowledge by visiting a real-life construction site at The Knares, Basildon.

Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) – Basildon Council’s property services contractor – hosted the students’ visit to a major housing improvement project on the estate.

The visitors, who are working towards the City and Guilds national accreditation in construction, looked at the external cladding and external decoration to the site MSPS is delivering. As well as finding out about the materials used, construction process and the skills needed to deliver the work, they also learned more about construction careers and local job and training opportunities.

Beauchamps High School’s Head of Construction Teacher Mr Dean Burkett says, “I really appreciate the opportunity to arrange these visits for the students to see a construction site first hand. It informed them about the pathways into work in the industry, including apprenticeships and the opportunities available in the local area. It has been another very positive experience and great to continue to build on our relationship with Morgan Sindall.”

MSPS Site Manager Michael White adds: “As a company, we proactively look for opportunities such as this to directly support the communities we work in. The students were able to interact with our staff as they received a lesson on the tools, equipment and methods used for external cladding and external decoration. We’re also very keen to encourage more girls and young women to consider careers in property and construction, so it was good to see some female students among the three groups who visited.”

The students’ visit took place as part of MSPS’ social value programme through which the company delivers additional initiatives designed to meet the wider needs of the communities where it works, creating permanent benefits.

Councillor Don Morris, Basildon Council’s Chairman of the Housing Committee, comments: “This was a great opportunity for the students at Beauchamps High School and I am delighted our property services contractor is able to provide so much value to their curriculum with these visits. It is crucial young people get the opportunity to have these experiences which can really shape their future career options.

Beauchamps High School is one of six partner schools that MSPS is working with through the company’s contract with Basildon Council.