26/05/11 - Forging Relationships with 4 local schools

Over the past 3 years 4,500 hours of work experience have been provided by Divisional Director Paul Burchell and his team to students at Castle High School and Visual Arts College, Summerhill School, Holly Hall School and Thorns School.

Paul commented: “Being centrally based in Pensnett gives us the opportunity to provide these local school children with the chance to gain hands on experience of the construction industry and help them gain life skills for when they enter the workplace.”

Throughout their week with the division student’s work with Surveyors, Estimators, Buyers and site based staff learning about all areas of a construction contractor.

Stuart Ferguson, Careers officer at Castle High School and Visual Arts College added: “Castle High School students really value the opportunity to take part in Work Experience placements, especially when the opportunity is presented by a company as prestigious as Thomas Vale. They guarantee a well-structured placement in a quality environment staffed by people who really care about our students. I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they provide.”

The work experience programmes are a proven success within the division. 3 current members of staff initially visited the division on work experience and later applied for trainee positions. They are now fully qualified construction professionals.

Jess Hemming, Quantity Surveyor commented: “I attended Thomas Vale Construction as part of my work experience through school which showed me the different aspects of a construction business, during this period I was given the opportunity to join the company as a trainee. The training scheme offered by Thomas Vale gave me the opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience whilst continuing with further education on day release and have completed my BSC (Hons) degree in Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management. Since graduating I have taken on the role of Quantity Surveyor and am actively involved within the training scheme as a mentor for today's trainees"