<p>We spoke with Will Payne, Social Value Manager at <a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a>, about <a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon's</a> partnership with Weston College as a CEH Partner, how they support students through industry placements, and their commitment to inspiring the next generation by showcasing the many pathways into the construction industry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Can you introduce </strong><a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/"><strong>Willmott Dixon</strong></a><strong> and tell us a bit about what you do?</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a> is a UK-based, privately owned construction, development, and interior fit-out company founded in 1852. It delivers a wide range of projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, justice, defence, and commercial property.</p><p>The company describes its purpose as delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities, and enhancing the environment for future generations. It is led by Rick Willmott, the fifth generation of the founding family, and is known for its strong focus on sustainability, social value, and community impact.</p><p>As a Social Value Manager, I help ensure that every <a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a> project in the Wales and South West Region leaves a positive legacy by creating opportunities for local people, strengthening communities, and delivering measurable social, economic, and environmental benefits alongside the construction work.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How have Weston College students been involved in the Airfield Primary School project?</strong></p><p>As Social Value Manager, I, Will Payne, have worked closely with Weston College to support students' development and prepare them for careers within construction and the wider world of work. This has included delivering careers talks that provided insight into the construction industry, different career pathways, employability skills and the opportunities available to young people entering the sector.</p><p><a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a> has also attended employer breakfast meetings with college lecturers and senior strategic representatives from Weston College. These discussions have helped influence the development of the College's T Level curriculum, ensuring it reflects current industry needs and equips students with the skills and knowledge required by employers. We have also provided guidance on how industry placements can be structured to deliver the best possible experience and outcomes for students.</p><p>To further support employability, we have delivered work experience placements, mock interview sessions, giving students valuable experience of recruitment processes while helping them build confidence, communication skills and interview techniques. Students have also benefited from guest speaker sessions delivered by members of the <a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a> team, sharing real-life experiences and career journeys from across the construction industry.</p><p>In addition, students have been invited to visit the Airfield Primary School project through organised site tours. These visits have provided first-hand exposure to a live construction environment, allowing students to see construction processes in action, meet project professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles involved in delivering a major education project.</p><p>Through these activities, Weston College students have gained practical industry insight, enhanced employability skills, and developed a stronger understanding of the opportunities available within the construction sector, helping to support their transition from education into employment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What has your experience of offering industry placements been like?</strong></p><p>Our experience of offering industry placements has been extremely positive. They provide young people with valuable exposure to the construction industry, helping them develop practical skills, workplace confidence and a better understanding of potential career pathways.</p><p>The students we have hosted from Weston College have been a real credit to themselves and the College. They have arrived on time, shown a strong willingness to learn and fully engaged with the opportunities available to them.</p><p>During their placements, students have participated in project meetings, supported the wider project team and gained first-hand experience of working on a live construction project. This has helped them understand how different roles work together to successfully deliver new build developments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What are the biggest benefits of hosting an industry placement student?</strong></p><p>One of the biggest benefits is developing future talent. We've supported several students from industry placements into permanent roles with Willmott Dixon, including through our Management Trainee Scheme.</p><p>Placements also benefit our project teams by giving employees, particularly junior team members, the opportunity to mentor and support a student, helping develop their own leadership and communication skills.</p><p>Finally, working with placement students strengthens our relationship with colleges and provides valuable insight into what is being taught, helping to ensure education and industry remain aligned and relevant to the skills needed in construction today.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What kinds of projects and day-to-day tasks do industry placement students get involved in?</strong></p><p>Our industry placement students have gained experience across a wide range of projects, including education, healthcare and defence schemes. We aim to provide opportunities wherever possible, regardless of the type of project, ensuring students gain exposure to different areas of the construction industry.</p><p>Students are involved in a variety of day-to-day activities to give them a well-rounded experience. They work alongside different teams and disciplines, including site management, quantity surveying, health and safety, design, environmental and digital construction.</p><p>While some students arrive with a clear career path in mind, exposure to different roles often helps them discover opportunities they may not have previously considered. Even if they remain focused on their chosen career, they leave with a much better understanding of how the various departments work together to successfully deliver a construction project.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What do you look for when selecting students for an industry placement?</strong></p><p>When selecting students for an industry placement, attitude is the most important factor. We're looking for students who are reliable, enthusiastic and genuinely interested in developing a career within the industry.</p><p>Just like any recruitment process, we want to see someone who is committed, willing to learn and prepared to give their best. Technical knowledge can be developed over time, but a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a willingness to get involved are what really help students succeed.</p><p>Students who show they are keen to learn, take initiative and go beyond the minimum expectations are often the ones who make the biggest impact and get the most from the opportunity. These are the qualities we look for when identifying and selecting students for industry placements.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>In what other ways has </strong><a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/"><strong>Willmott Dixon</strong></a><strong> worked with Weston College?</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a> has built a strong and long-standing relationship with Weston College and continues to support the College wherever possible.</p><p>Alongside supporting T Level and construction students, we have also worked closely with Weston College's employment programme, which helps unemployed people develop the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to return to work.</p><p>As part of the programme, I have delivered sessions explaining what it is like to work for a Tier 1 construction company, providing learners with an insight into the opportunities available within the industry and the pathways into employment. These sessions are particularly valuable for individuals looking to enter construction for the first time, as well as those returning to the sector after a period away.</p><p>I often deliver these sessions alongside one of our recruitment partners, giving learners direct access to organisations that can support them into genuine employment opportunities. Through this collaboration, a number of participants have gone on to secure roles on our projects, helping to create local employment opportunities and supporting people back into work.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What advice would you give to employers thinking about offering industry placements?</strong></p><p>My advice would be simple: <strong>go for it.</strong> While it can feel a little daunting at first, the benefits far outweigh any concerns.</p><p>Industry placements provide a fantastic opportunity to support young people as they take their first steps into a career. As employers, particularly larger organisations, we have an important role to play in helping develop the next generation of talent and giving students meaningful experiences that prepare them for the world of work.</p><p>The students we've worked with have brought enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and a real willingness to learn. In return, they gain valuable industry experience, develop their confidence and build the skills needed for future employment.</p><p>Whether directly or through your supply chain, everyone has a part to play in creating opportunities for young people. By opening your doors to industry placements, you're not only investing in the future workforce but also helping enthusiastic students realise their potential and build successful careers in construction.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Is there anything you would like to add?</strong></p><p>As I mentioned, we have a long-standing and valued relationship with Weston College, and it's important that we continue to build on this partnership for the benefit of the College, its students and <a href="https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/">Willmott Dixon</a>.</p><p>Weston College makes it incredibly easy for employers to get involved and support its programmes. The team is proactive in engaging with industry, hosting regular meetings, networking events and employer forums to ensure course content remains relevant and aligned with current industry needs. We are always kept informed about opportunities to contribute and are invited to participate in a wide range of activities that support students' learning and development.</p><p>Most importantly, Weston College consistently delivers positive outcomes for its learners, helping to prepare them for successful careers and further opportunities.</p><p>We're grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Weston College and look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the great work they do for many years to come.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Learners from the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… Level Digital Production, Design and Development</a> course recently took part in the <strong>West of England Transport Data Hackathon</strong>, a collaborative industry-led event hosted by the <strong>West of England Mayoral Combined Authority</strong> in partnership with <strong>AECOM</strong>.</p><p>The hackathon brought together students, industry professionals and researchers, giving learners a valuable opportunity to work alongside experts in the field while attempting to overcome real-world transport challenges using authentic datasets and digital tools.</p><p>Over the course of the week, learners worked in teams to address challenges linked to the region’s Integrated Micromobility Service (IMS), which manages shared e-scooters, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath. Teams were encouraged to think creatively, explore open datasets and develop innovative digital solutions, with several choosing to design websites or applications using Python.</p><p>To conclude the week, students created a formal presentation and presented them in their Bristol offices, showcasing their solutions to a judging panel and responding to questions about their technical decisions, data insights and potential real-world impact.</p><p>Participation in the hackathon enabled learners to develop and demonstrate a broad range of skills, including programming and coding, data analysis and statistical thinking, as well as transferable skills such as collaboration, communication and critical problem-solving. Learners also gained first-hand experience of working with live transport data and addressing challenges faced by the region.</p><p>By engaging directly with real transport systems, learners enhanced their employability and gained a deeper understanding of how digital skills can be applied to encourage change. Events such as this hackathon provide invaluable insight into the industry, empowering students to build confidence, apply their classroom knowledge, and prepare for potential careers in digital and data transport solutions.</p><p>Well done to all the students involved, they presented themselves with professionalism and maturity and engaged well with industry professionals.</p><p>This curriculum project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… and Digital</a> 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.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/computing-and-digital-technolo… and Digital</a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> 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. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p>

<p>This <strong>National T Level Week, </strong>we want to share how industry placements not only benefit learners, but also hugely benefit businesses by allowing them to <strong>seamlessly integrate fresh, dynamic talent</strong> into their workforce.</p><p>We spoke to <a href="https://www.beardconstruction.co.uk/">Beard Construction</a> and <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">UHBW</a&gt; to find out about their experiences of taking on industry placement learners.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.beardconstruction.co.uk/"><strong>BEARD CONSTRUCTION:</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>1. What is your name and your role at Beard Construction?</em></p><p>My name is Bev Parfitt, and I am the Social Value Co-ordinator at Beard Construction based in Bristol. Having been in education for 30 years I am happy to be the student lead at Beard ensuring that all students have a great experience whilst with us.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>2. For how long has Beard Construction been taking on industry placements for T Levels?</em></p><p>This is our second year of taking on T Level students and we are pleased to be working and supported by Weston College.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>3. What types of roles can our learners take on when they do their industry placement with Beard Construction?</em></p><p>Whilst with Beard the students will cover and shadow various trades and job roles. They will learn how to do a Health &amp; Safety check around the site with our H &amp; S team. They will learn about the job from the ground up and be involved in looking at drawings and having the extra value of working alongside the design team, the quantity surveyors and site managers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>4. How does the industry placement prepare students for the working world?</em></p><p>Whilst being on site the students learn the importance of working as a team and understanding how different people work within the group. Time keeping and being able to communicate with their peers is key in the workplace and as the students grow in confidence you can see a real difference when they leave from when they arrived.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>5. How do industry placements benefit Beard Construction?</em></p><p>Industry placements are a low-risk, high return way for Beard Construction to attract future talent, strengthen its reputation, and infuse projects with fresh energy and ideas – all while contributing to the wider construction skills pipeline.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>6. Can you name any standout moments from our industry placement learners?</em></p><p>I love to see the students taking on board what they have learnt on site and then having the confidence to give a presentation to their class back at college. Listening to them use the right terminology and have full understanding of a particular area of study.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>7. Is there opportunity for our learners to progress onto apprenticeships or any other paid employment following the completion of their industry placement?</em></p><p>Yes, Beard Construction offers apprenticeships and is always looking for the students that stand out and impress them throughout their T Level and work experience time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>8. What would you say to employers who are considering taking on industry placement students?</em></p><p>Do it – Taking a T Level student isn’t just about helping the next generation – it’s a smart business move that supports growth, innovation and the construction industry’s future</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>9. Is there anything else you would like to add?</em></p><p>Having a T Level student on site enhances leadership coaching skills and demonstrates commitment to industry sustainability.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/"><strong>University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust:</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What is your name and your role at UHBW?</em></p><p>Our names are Emma White and Denise Knight and we are part of the Practice Based Learning team. We support learners on various nursing programmes whilst they are on placement within the trust, along with supporting the clinical placement areas to provide positive placement experiences.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>For how long has UHBW been taking on industry placements for T Levels?</em></p><p>UHBW has been taking industry placements for T levels for 2 years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What types of roles can our learners take on when they do their industry placement with UHBW?</em></p><p>The learners take on a clinical health care support worker role where they work directly with Senior Health Care Support Workers to enhance their knowledge and practice their care certificate skills that they complete in college.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>How does the industry placement prepare students for the working world?</em></p><p>At UHBW we run a week long induction prior to the learners starting their placements. This involves talks from different professionals within different teams, such as the audiology, resuscitation and leadership teams. They have the opportunity to practice clinical skills within our simulation suite and reflect on the expectations and professional values required for an industry placement.</p><p>During the placement, learners are exposed to the organisation of the trust, a day-to-day running of a ward/clinical area and can meet and talk with patients and professionals about their healthcare experiences. Through this, they practice their communication, teamwork and professional skills which will help them prepare for the working world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>How do industry placements benefit UHBW?</em></p><p>Industry placements are a great way for UHBW to showcase all the different roles within healthcare that young people can get involved in and give learners the opportunity to experience these. They bring a new set of skills and enthusiasm to UHBW and often go on to apply for our apprenticeship programmes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Can you name any standout moments from our industry placement learners?</em></p><p>Last year UHBW was nominated for an Industry Placement Partnership Award by one of our learners. It was an honour to be nominated and observe how much the learner had thrived in their industry placement and how much they recommended UHBW for an industry placement.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YcWeaa24dFo?si=fxzzEKMYBoU7PPFC&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Is there opportunity for our learners to progress onto apprenticeships or any other paid employment following the completion of their industry placement?</em></p><p>Yes there are options to apply for clinical apprenticeships such as our Student Nurse Associate programme or Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship that if a learner has enjoyed their placement and is interested in healthcare or paid employment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What would you say to employers who are considering taking on industry placement students?</em></p><p>I would say that it’s been a pleasure to play a role in helping the T level learners experience industry placements and witness them thrive within these placements and build valuable skills and relationships with staff.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/industry-placements?utm_source=main-menu&amp;u… find out more about taking on an industry placement learner, click here.</a></p>