Tileyard North principal contractors, Sewell Construction, have been appointed as the Industry Partners of Wakefield College. 

As part of the new partnership, two students, Cameron and Adam, are looking to progress into construction careers and have started work placements on-site at Tileyard North. During their Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction course, Cameron and Adam will work alongside Sewell Construction’s team one day per week throughout the duration of the refurbishment, getting real-life experience on a building site.

Jon Webster, Project Manager at Tileyard North said;

“Having been in the construction industry since leaving school, it’s great to see the younger generation taking an interest in gaining a career in what can be both a challenging and rewarding industry.

“Over the last few years, the construction industry has seen a shortage of numbers across all aspects of the industry, and so we need to do all we can to encourage more younger people to consider these careers. Our industry partnership with Wakefield College has opened an array of opportunities for young people and has been a breath of fresh air for us when looking to engage and encourage local employment.

“Although Cameron and Adam have only been with the Tileyard North team a short while, they have already knuckled down with the tasks set for them each week. They are a credit to Wakefield College and a perfect fit for everything that Sewell Construction stands for. 

“We look forward to having them both onboard until the project completion and hope that in the future, more permanent positions will become available across the business.”

Appointed through competitive tender, Sewell Construction are upgrading the structural stability of the current Rutland Mills buildings on behalf of client, Opera PM for City and Provincial Properties.

The vision for Rutland Mills – soon to be known as Tileyard North – is to create a rich mixed-use, inclusive, creative and cultural cluster, with a programme that includes artists, designers and musicians; digital and tech industries; artisan craft and makers; studios and commercial space; retail’ restaurant and hotel offers; event and gallery space; and provision for education. 

Wakefield College student Cameron Snowden commented; 

“It’s great to be part of such a huge project here at Rutland Mills, gaining valuable experience to help with my own career progression. 

“Everyone on site has made me feel so welcome; shadowing my mentor has already given me great insight into the industry and it has confirmed that this is what I want to do for a living.

“I’ve gained in so much confidence and I am excited to see the project come together over the coming weeks and months.”

The Sewell Construction team will take a hands-on role through their partnership with Wakefield College, not just with Adam and Cameron, but other students at the college too.

They will have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on student’s work on-and-off-site, host masterclasses, workshops and build upon the relationship with Wakefield College to help shape the curriculum, encouraging more young people to pursue a career in this industry.

Debbie Lee, Work placement and T Level Officer from Wakefield College said; 

“We feel extremely fortunate to have Sewell Construction as one of our industry partners, supporting the next generation of technical professionals.

“We currently have two students with them, who are learning hands-on, what it’s like to be a Quantity Surveyor and a Site Manager, respectively, on a large working site.

“These kinds of experiences cannot be underestimated; in terms of the impact they have on a young person understanding the role in action and giving them an insight into their future career.”

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