Construction students visit UCR to learn more on health and safety on-site
Rotherham College and North Notts College Construction students were invited by Willmott Dixon this week to visit University Centre Rotherham (UCR) to see the latest development of the build, as well as learn more about health and safety in the workplace. The aim of the visit was to put theory into practice, giving students the chance to experience a real-life building site that they are likely to work on once they leave education.
Students were firstly given an introduction to the UCR site by Alan Neal, Construction Manager for Willmott Dixon, who spoke to the students about the importance of health and safety on a construction site, how to spot a hazard and avoid serious incidents. Alan said, “we’re not just responsible for ourselves, we’re responsible for everyone else. Health and safety is first priority, and it’s important to have this mind-set and behaviour from the beginning.”
Students were then taken up to the second floor of the build, and were asked to point out any potential hazards they had noticed and how to overcome them. Alan also invited students to ask any questions they may have about the development of UCR and the type of materials used on-site, as well as the career path of a Construction Manager.
Ellie Tizard is a Bricklaying student from Rotherham College – she said, “I’ve really enjoyed the experience of being on a real-life site, and finding out more about the importance of what you need to consider to make sure yourself and others are safe.”
Before the end of the visit, students had the chance to watch a short video of the development of the University Centre and the process of the build, eventually showing plans of what UCR will look like in completion. Alan also explained that UCR is currently in the middle of the roof completion, with a topping-off ceremony due to take place in mid-January next year.
Rob Parkin, Bricklaying Tutor at North Notts College said, “This will be just one of the visits students will have to a real-life site, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for students to gain this kind of experience that you simply cannot get from a classroom setting.”