Year 1 learners from the T-Level in Design, Surveying, and Planning in Construction course recently received an insightful guest lecture by two members of the IKO Group. 

IKO Group is a manufacturing company that produces innovative roofing, waterproofing, insulation and infrastructure solutions, along with a fast-growing highway maintenance range for the construction industry. Their approach to sustainability is one of their core values, ensuring to reduce their carbon footprint whilst improving energy efficiency. 

Emma Howard, Business Development Manager at IKO, and her colleague Louis, showcased the diverse range of materials produced at their three UK-based factories. The primary focus of the presentation was on the sustainability aspects of IKO's materials. They highlighted their commitment to delivering materials with minimal or no packaging.  

Additionally, the speakers shared a case study involving the construction of a new Tesco store, where all off-cuts from the single-ply membrane were collected and returned to the manufacturing plant for recycling. Small samples of materials were then distributed among the learners, allowing them to examine the materials firsthand. 

Daniel Comerford, a Construction Professions lecturer at Weston College, said, “I am very grateful for Emma and Louis for taking the time to come into college. It is guest lectures like these that give our students invaluable insights into different areas of the construction industry, providing them with a more holistic understanding of their options after college. They also explained to the learners about the sustainability factors that need to be considered for the various materials that make up a construction project.”   

A big thank you to Emma and Louis from the IKO Group for sharing their experiences and insight. 

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.  

Progress to the next level in Construction! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

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.