South-Tyneside based, Castle, has partnered with Hartlepool College, to provide valuable work experience for local students, at a time when the construction sector is booming and high-quality, well-paid jobs await the next generation of tradespeople.
Students, studying T-Level placements in Construction and Built Environment, have been invited, on a monthly basis, to visit Wynyard Trade and Retail Park to see, at first-hand, how theory is put into practice and to hear of the exceptional career opportunities opening up.
Appointed as principal contractor, by Northumberland Estates, Castle is delivering the facilities for the new retail and trade park.
The retail park is set to attract key names such as Starbucks and Burger King and will be anchored by a 46,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s superstore. The trade park will feature seven new units, which will be occupied by a range of businesses, including Howdens, Screwfix and JT Dove.
Castle, is providing students with the opportunity to observe various stages of the construction process, interact with different professionals and gain a better understanding of the industry and its real-world challenges and solutions.
With its headquarters in Hebburn, South Tyneside and offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Teesside, Castle, which has a secured turnover of £65 million for 2024, is one of the UK’s leading providers of all disciplines of construction, offering high-quality engineering and contracting services covering all aspects of design, construction, mechanical, public health, renewable and electrical engineering.
Andrew Dawson, managing director at Castle, said: “Led by our operations director, Shaun Powell, we are building a strong relationship with Hartlepool College and wanted to offer students real-life work experience on a site that will greatly enhance the local community.
“It is important to Castle that, as well as delivering high quality projects, we give back to the communities in which we operate. The students at Hartlepool College are studying design, surveying and planning for construction and, by visiting our site regularly, they will benefit from seeing the work progressing.
“Our team are also looking forward to putting their skills to the test, as we have offered to step back into the workshop to offer students practical insights into the construction industry.
“We have a skills shortage within the sector and it is crucial that we all play a part to support, encourage and highlight the career routes that are available. These young people are about to enter an industry that is booming and they have the potential, over time, to forge amazing careers. The opportunities are endless for focussed, young people with a positive mindset.”
John Cartwright, head of business skills and growth at Hartlepool College, said: “We are delighted to forge a partnership with Castle on a project that is in close proximity to our college and town.
“The site team has been really welcoming to our staff and learners and it’s great for them to see a development from start to finish. The first steps in any career can be very daunting and this gives our learners an essential opportunity to experience the environment of a construction site.”