Local Construction Company Visit Our T Level Learners

A group of Year 1 T-Level Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction learners recently welcomed two guest speakers, Sam Lillywhite and Katie Corbett, from the Bristol-based construction company, Bray & Slaughter. 

Sam Lillywhite, a Construction Management Apprentice, delivered an engaging and insightful presentation about his journey in the construction industry. He spoke about his path from leaving school to securing his current role at Bray & Slaughter.  

Along the way, Sam faced setbacks, including losing his job after his previous employer went into administration at the end of last year. However, through perseverance, professional connections, and determination, he was able to secure a new position with Bray & Slaughter within just four weeks. 

Sam also shared details about his current role on a regeneration project for North Somerset Council, located on the High Street in Weston-super-Mare. He described what a typical day looks like on site, offering students a clear picture of a career in construction management. 

Following Sam’s presentation, Katie Corbett introduced herself and her role as the Social Value, Equality, Diversity; Inclusion (ED&I) Manager at Bray & Slaughter. She explained how her position was created in response to recent updates in the Government Procurement Act, which now requires public sector construction projects to incorporate more social value. This includes collaborating with local colleges and promoting apprenticeships. 

The session concluded with a Q&A, giving learners the opportunity to ask thoughtful and relevant questions, not only about the construction industry, but also about starting a professional career and adapting to unfamiliar roles. The students demonstrated maturity and curiosity, particularly in asking how to navigate uncertainty in new professional environments. 

Daniel Comerford, one of our Construction Professions lecturers, reflected on the event, adding, “this presentation gave learners an amazing, first-hand insight into construction management from a young professional still early in his career. Sam and Katie offered honest, personal experiences and highlighted the importance of resilience when facing setbacks, something that can be difficult for young adults to fully grasp. Hearing it from peers closer to their age made it much more impactful.” 

Thank you to both Sam and Katie for taking the time to come and talk to our T-Level learners and share their experiences. We look forward to collaborating with Bray & Slaughter again in the future. 

This Guest Lecture forms part of the Construction Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.