A construction student has been helping make sure Kier Western's new £6 million Energy Skills Centre project at Bridgwater College is going to plan.

Elly Slotboom needed to carry out ten days' work experience as part of a diploma in construction and the built environment.

She commented: "This is not like a traditional trade course where you learn bricklaying, carpentry or plumbing – it's focused on the management side and ideal if you want to become an architect or surveyor.

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"You still need to know about all of the trades, but you are training for a different level of job. I was really lucky to get the opportunity to shadow the senior site manager and senior site engineer and learn more about the operational and legislative responsibilities on a complex building project like this.

"I've contributed to health & safety planning and helped with some problem solving concerning architectural issues, as well as helping with engineering and surveying activities."

Kier Western Senior Site Manager, Spencer Cox, added: "We've really enjoyed having Elly as part of the team – it's great for us to mentor and support a student starting out, and hopefully it's been a great opportunity for Elly to contribute to a building project which is taking place on the college site and which will benefit future students. I’m sure she will go far!"

The project is due for completion in November this year.

(CD)