Beard Construction has partnered with Abingdon & Witney College to provide Oxford-based construction students with valuable on-site work experience.

The family-owned contractor is supporting the T-Level Technical Qualification in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, committing to the full student cohort for the two-year duration of their course from the 2025/26 academic year.

Dean Averies, director at Beard’s Oxford office, said: "We're passionate about developing the next generation of construction professionals at Beard, and partnering with Abingdon & Witney College on their construction course means we can directly engage and support future talent.

"We are looking forward to working alongside the college's colleagues to deliver training and opportunities in a variety of ways to inspire young talent and equip them with the practical skills and personal confidence to build rewarding careers in construction."

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Through the partnership, Beard colleagues will offer practical, hands-on opportunities across construction sites in Oxfordshire, including involvement in the RAAC remediation project at the college's Witney Campus. Students will also meet the Beard team to discuss career pathways, gain an understanding of the company’s culture and values, and receive guidance from senior leaders. Regular breakfast meetings will be hosted by Director Dean Averies and senior colleagues to provide ongoing engagement and support.

The T-Level course offers young people a strong route into careers in construction and the built environment, combining classroom learning with practical site experience. It provides a work-focused alternative to A-Levels and can lead to employment, apprenticeships or further study.

Neil Benjamin-Miller, Head of Faculty for Construction at Abingdon & Witney College, added: "Beard's partnership will give our students invaluable real-world experience and industry insight, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to prepare our students for successful careers in the construction sector."

Beard has a long-standing record of supporting future talent, from year-in-industry placements to trainee programmes, and continues to invest in developing the next generation of construction professionals.

Find out more about the course here.