<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction</a> T Level students recently enjoyed an exciting site visit to the <strong>Albert Road student accommodation development in Bristol</strong>, delivered by construction company <strong>B+K.</strong></p><p>The visit began at Bristol Temple Meads, where students met before walking to the Albert Road site, which forms part of the wider Temple Quarter regeneration project. Once complete, the development will provide 454 student accommodation units alongside commercial space at ground-floor level, contributing to the ongoing transformation of the area.</p><p>Students were warmly welcomed by the B+K team and provided with branded personal protective equipment (PPE) before being taken on a comprehensive tour of the site. The visit was led by Russ from B+K, whose enthusiasm, knowledge and engaging delivery helped bring the project to life for the learners.</p><p>The group had the opportunity to explore the development from ground level right through to the upper floors of the building. For a short period during construction, the building will become the tallest structure in Bristol, offering spectacular views across the city. Despite the extremely windy conditions at the top of the building, students were fascinated to see specialist operatives working safely at height using harnesses, tethers and other fall-protection systems.</p><p>Throughout the visit, learners gained first-hand insight into the construction process, including the use of precast concrete construction methods and the central tower crane that supports the build programme. Seeing these elements in a live construction environment helped students connect classroom learning with real-world industry practice.</p><p>The visit also highlighted the strong partnership between Weston College and B+K. The company has been a valued supporter of the T Level programme and last year provided industry placements for two T Level students, helping them gain valuable workplace experience and develop skills for their future careers.</p><p>Charlotte Alsop, Lecturer in T-Level Design, Planning and Surveying for Construction said: <em>"The visit gave our students a fantastic insight into a major Bristol construction project. Russ was exceptional throughout, seeing everything from the flood defence measures and construction methods being used, bought the classroom learning to life. It was also the tidiest construction site I have ever visited, which says a great deal about the professionalism in the B + K team."</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Staff from the <strong>Construction Professions</strong> and<strong> Apprenticeships </strong>teams recently rolled up their sleeves to support the <strong>"Leaving a Legacy"</strong> community project, volunteering their time to help improve local allotments and construct a new timber shed on the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare.</p><p>The project, led by <a href="https://www.octavius.co.uk/">Octavius</a&gt; in partnership with <a href="https://www.alliancehomes.org.uk/">Alliance Homes</a>, aims to restore and enhance community allotment spaces for local residents, creating a lasting positive impact for the area.</p><p>The volunteering effort began when members of the Apprenticeships team joined the project at The Great Rhyne Gardens. Their activities included de-weeding allotments, planting vegetables, creating woodchip pathways, and sanding and painting various features around the site.</p><p>The college has a strong working relationship with Octavius, the main contractor responsible for the Winterstoke Road replacement railway bridge project in Weston-super-Mare and one of the college's valued Career Excellence Hub partners. The partnership currently supports two T Level learners who are completing their industry placements with the company, with one student based on the Winterstoke Road project and another working on the nearby A38 road improvement scheme.</p><p>Over the past year, learners and staff have benefited from site visits to Octavius projects, while representatives from the company have visited the college to deliver guest speaker sessions and share valuable industry insights.</p><p>Together, the teams helped construct a timber shed for the allotment site on the Bournville Estate, contributing practical skills and teamwork to support the wider restoration project.</p><p>The <strong>"Leaving a Legacy"</strong> project demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education providers, industry partners and housing organisations work together to strengthen local communities. Through initiatives such as this, staff not only support worthwhile causes but also reinforce the strong partnerships that create opportunities for learners and residents alike.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weston College students studying the T Level in <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction</a> recently went behind the scenes at <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council’s</a> Birnbeck Pier restoration project, gaining a unique insight into one of the country’s most significant heritage regeneration schemes.</p><p>The visit, as part of our partnership with North Somerset Council on the project, provided learners with the opportunity to explore the live construction site. They also heard directly from the industry professionals leading the restoration works, contractors <a href="https://mackley.co.uk/">Mackley</a&gt; and <a href="https://www.smithandbrenson.co.uk/">Smith and Brenson</a>. Two of the students, Finton and Ashton, are currently completing their industry placements on the project as part of their T Level qualification.</p><p>During the visit, students were guided around the site by the contractors, who delivered detailed tours showcasing both the marine engineering and landside elements of the restoration programme. Learners were able to see first-hand the scale and complexity of the works taking place to preserve the historic pier for future generations.</p><p>A particular highlight of the day was witnessing a <strong>400-tonne jack-up barge</strong> being manoeuvred into position next to the pier bridge, following its transportation from Newport Docks. The operation gave students a rare opportunity to observe specialist marine construction activity up close.</p><p><strong>BBC Points West</strong> were also in attendance on site to film the project and interview students Finton and Ashton, alongside Construction Professions lecturer Daniel, about the value of industry placements and the importance of hands-on learning within construction education.</p><p>The site visit formed as part of Weston College’s continued commitment to providing students with meaningful employer engagement opportunities that complement their classroom studies and prepare them for careers within the construction industry.</p><p>Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, said: <em>“We’re keen to get as many people involved with the project as possible through our comprehensive community engagement plan, made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to Weston College for their willingness to work with us to create opportunities like these which help local young people to access rewarding careers in construction.”</em></p><p>Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning, added: <em>“Industry placements are a key feature of T-Levels, offering students invaluable experience in their chosen fields and equipping them with the skills they need for future careers. What a great opportunity for these local young people to learn on site at such an interesting heritage project of national importance. I’m pleased to see the council continuing to partner with Weston College as part of our wider strategy to ensure that our children and young people are given opportunity to thrive.”</em></p><p>Weston College would like to thank <strong>North Somerset Council</strong> for arranging the visit, as well as <strong>Mackley</strong> and <strong>Smith and Brenson</strong> for hosting the tours and sharing their expertise with students.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>