Contractor links up with college in Euro-bid

A college, a housing association and a contractor have joined forces to help fight construction skills shortages in the south of England.

Brighton Borough Council's successful application for the European Union's Single Regeneration Bid has led to 40 students from the Brighton College of Technology (BCT) spending two days per week on site with Kajima UK Engineering.

The contractor is offering site experience to the students on a project to refurbish and redevelop housing. Site work takes place at Chichester Diocesan Housing Association's old Phoenix Brewery site and the listed Richmond Terrace, Brighton.

Kajima staff supervise students in plumbing, bricklaying, electrical installation, carpentry, painting and decorating, and joinery.

BCT aims for students to gain the NVQ on the training programme. The site experience will enable them to learn the practical construction skills while the theory is taught in the classroom.

A spokesman for Kajima said: "The site work is a great asset for those keen to qualify in the shortest time possible.

"Because of the strict work discipline exercised by Kajima on site, students learn good habits at an early stage in their careers," he said.

Students on the industry placement scheme are also given safety instruction and attend management meetings.

They are identifiable on site by yellow vests and special orange hard hats, which contrast with the normal white helmets worn on site.