Q: How do you help students transition from the classroom to real-world work on-site with employers? A: Supporting students to transition from classroom learning to working on-site with employers requires a combination of practical experiences, industry engagement, and structured preparation. One of our key approaches is regular site visits to active construction sites, giving students first- hand exposure to the working environment. Typically, these include guided tours from site managers, health and safety briefings, and opportunities for students to engage with professionals about their roles and career pathways. Employers and manufacturers often come into the college to deliver skills sessions and industry updates. We also provide students with membership of professional organisations, such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), which helps boost their employability. And we’re looking at giving all students in the future access to the chance of gaining a CSCS Card to make them even more work ready. Alongside technical skills, there’s also a strong emphasis on the development of soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and professionalism so that students are equipped for the demands of the industry. Q: What kind of upskilling opportunities do you offer for those already in the industry looking to improve their skills or advance in their careers? A: From our Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing evening course to our close relationships with likes of World Skills, The Institute of Carpenters, and The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers we’re in a great position to help people progress in their careers.
Q: Can you share any success stories of students who have completed your courses and gone on to secure roles in the construction industry? Or who have gone on to become employers themselves. A: Yes, many of our former students have gone on to start their own businesses with many then taking on another of our students as an apprentice. We also have lots of employers who recruit new apprentices year on year because of the close relationships we build with them. In the plumbing sector, we’re particularly proud that our Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Technician Apprenticeship Standard achieved a 100% pass rate for End-Point Assessments (EPA), making us one of the top colleges in the country for plumbing. We also received a national award for our innovative use of technology in teaching plumbing during the pandemic, which shows the college’s commitment to providing top-tier education and training. Q: How are you preparing for the future of the construction industry, particularly in areas like sustainability and digital construction? A: The future of construction is all about innovation and sustainability, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these trends. We’re actively integrating new technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), and energy-efficient building practices into our training programs. Sustainability is key, and we’re already teaching students how to design and construct buildings that meet the latest environmental standards. As the industry moves toward a greener future, we’re already looking ahead to preparing students to work with technologies such as solar PV, heat pumps, and drones, ready for the fast-paced changes in the sector. And we run School Escalator Days where children as young as 6 join us for activities around construction and building services to get them engaged from a young age – so important for an industry that’s not seen as very glamourous to the younger generation.
Q: How does West Suffolk College support underrepresented groups to enter the property and construction sectors? A: We actively promote inclusivity and provide opportunities for all students, regardless of their background, to thrive in the industry. Our partnerships with industry leaders help ensure that our students have access to mentors, networking opportunities, and real-world experiences, all of which help level the playing field. We’re really proud of our ‘Building Her Future’ initiative that supports underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from diverse backgrounds, to enter the property and construction sectors. By engaging with schools, youth organisations, and community groups we provide early exposure to construction and property careers, challenging misconceptions, and highlighting opportunities beyond traditional roles. Representatives from courses have also attended events at the House of Lords to advocate for inclusive opportunities and we’ve got strong partnerships within the industry, including involvement in the Women in Construction Anglia events. West Suffolk College’s forward-thinking approach is playing a crucial role in addressing the skills gap and labour shortages in the construction industry. Through its collaboration with employers, its focus on real-world experience, and its commitment to inclusivity and innovation, the college is helping to shape the future of the sector and preparing the workforce for the challenges ahead.
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We also offer extra courses like Water Regulations, Unvented Hot Water and Legionella to name but a few.
P R O P E R T Y A N D CONSTRUCTION | SCRUTTON BLAND | 9
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