Construction students build skills and experience on two exciting community projects

Construction students have been busy putting their skills into practice – with two fantastic opportunities giving them first-hand experience on real building sites in east London.

Students from the Construction and Built Environment course at NCC Rainham Campus recently visited the Family Welcome Centre in Havering, where they met industry professionals and learned about the building process behind a major local housing development.

They also had the chance to help with the refurbishment of a youth centre in Dagenham, getting a taste of working on a live project through the Skills Builder Programme, which provides construction industry experience for 16 to 18-year-olds.

Insight and Inspiration

The visit to the Family Welcome Centre – organised in collaboration with Havering Council and Bugler Developments – gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the project, which will provide 74 self-contained dwellings for families in need when it opens next year.

The students toured the site, met project managers and engineers, and learned about the technical and social importance of the development.

Student Kayla said she had been inspired by the trip, saying: “The visit was extremely informative. I was able to ask questions and build my knowledge on what really goes on on-site. They made us feel really comfortable and we were able to understand what happens.”

Another student, Nayara, added: “The visit was 10 out of 10! I really enjoyed walking around the site and learning what purpose everything serves. The managers were pro-active and encouraged us to ask questions. They were very focused on our safety and giving us advice.”

Cllr Paul McGeary, Havering Council Cabinet Lead for Housing and Property, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the students from New City College to the site. I would like to thank Bugler for their commitment to engaging young people in the construction process. Their work experience opportunities for students foster local talent and ensure our borough continues to thrive with skilled professionals.”

Jeremy Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Bugler Developments, added: “We’re proud to support the next generation of construction professionals through initiatives like this site visit. Engaging with local students and offering them hands-on learning opportunities is central to our commitment to the communities where we work.”

Practical Experience

T Level Construction and Built Environment students were able to get hands-on again when they worked on the refurbishment of the Future Youth Zone centre in Dagenham, above, gaining valuable practical experience on a live building site.

As part of the Skills Builder Programme – funded by housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody – students rolled up their sleeves for two weeks and helped with flooring, plastering, and painting and decorating, working alongside professional tradespeople and site managers. The refurbishment project refreshed the building and enhanced facilities for the community.

Gershom Clarke, Chief Executive of Future Youth Zone, said: “We are hugely grateful to The Hill Group, Peabody, their contractors, and the young people on the Skills Builder programme for their hard work. To have a team of skilled professionals and students dedicate their time and expertise has been incredible.”

The NCC students involved included Jai Bahra, Cole Burgess, Cian Irwin, and Archie James, all of whom are aspiring site managers, quantity surveyors, and construction professionals.

Cole said: “It was a humbling experience that gave me a real appreciation for the skill, precision and hard work that goes into the trades, and how essential they are to the projects that I will hopefully survey in the future.”

Bricklaying opportunities

Earlier in the year, two Bricklaying students from NCC Rainham, were given work experience at the Family Welcome Centre construction site.

Eva Parker (pictured) and Billy Nell, both Level 1 Bricklaying students, took part in site walks, observing the daily operations, safety protocols and project progression. The Bugler team took time to teach them about key elements of brickwork and construction processes, and they made the most of the opportunity to ask questions and build on their existing knowledge.

Eva said: “The work experience was incredibly rewarding. I learned so much about the construction industry and the practical knowledge I gained was invaluable. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to work alongside professionals who were encouraging and supportive.”

Billy added: “It was a really enjoyable week. I had a dedicated area to practise my bricklaying skills, and I had to follow construction drawings to give me a realistic task environment. I was even presented with a trowel by the site team at the end of my placement!”

Build Your Future with New City College

These experiences are just two examples of how New City College helps students gain the confidence and skills needed for success in the construction and trades industries.

If you’re passionate about building, problem-solving, and working with your hands, apply for a course at New City College now to gain qualifications that will open doors to exciting careers in the trades and construction sector.

Find out more and apply today