On-site construction learning for students

Students have received an on-site tour of a new Otley development to gain insight in to brownfield regeneration.

Post-graduate students from Leeds Beckett University visited David Wilson Homes' Garnett Wharfe development in Otley, to view the construction project.

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The students, who are studying an MA in Housing Regeneration and Urban Management, visited Garnett Wharfe, on the site of an old paper mill, for a tour led by site manager Alan Carr and planning manager, Mark Jones.

They were shown the flagship development while learning about the challenges encountered with the previously developed site. Mr Jones will also visit the University this week to give a lecture on housebuilding.

Mark Jones said: “At the beginning of my career I did an MA course at the University, so it is nice to give something back. I never got the opportunity to visit a site and listen to people involved in construction so hopefully engagement like this will help to inspire young people to start a career in construction.

"Many are unaware of the opportunities available to them, so trips and guest lectures like this are so important in giving students an insight into housing and showing them the roles on offer.”

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Dr Quintain Bradley at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Site visits such as this are so valuable to our industry, getting out of the classroom and seeing potential careers in action and learning from the experts is inspiring for our students. It really helps them find out more about the course they are undertaking and potential career paths. It is important that skilled construction professionals support us in educating the workers of the future, and in turn they may enter into a career building the quality homes of the future.

David Wilson Homes has increasingly invested in training and education of young people in construction through university partnerships and its apprenticeship, graduate and sponsored degree programmes.

Garnett Wharfe is a collection of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, set along the banks of the river Wharfe, in Otley.