SKILLS
Laying the foundations of their futures
Contractor Willmott Dixon is helping to create opportunities for two local teenagers to start a career in construction. Connor Beardmore, 17, and 16-
year-old Rhys Senior have taken part in a six-week traineeship where they gained real experience of the construction industry, as well as a boost to other essential skills such as maths and English. The contractor is constructing a
new STEM building at the University of Derby, where both Connor and Rhys got hands-on experience as part of their traineeships. Both Connor and Rhys received a Level 2 qualification on completion.
Alongside their experience in their
chosen areas – for Connor, bricklaying and Rhys, carpentry – the two trainees also honed their maths, English and employability skills thanks to the support of charity training provider Derby Skillbuild. Peter Owen, Managing Director
of Willmott Dixon, said: “We are proud to support talented young people such as Rhys and Connor, who are eager to build themselves a career and a future. “We are also pleased to be
working with Derby Skillbuild, which is an asset to the local community and a fantastic resource for young people.
Abigayle impresses
A degree student from West Nottinghamshire College is in the running for a national award which includes a cash prize of £25,000 and bespoke mentoring. Abigayle Wetton, 21, from Mansfield, earned her place on the shortlist
after presenting her tramline safety concept to industry movers and shakers. She is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Business and Management at
West Nottinghamshire College. Abi entered The Daily Telegraph UK STEM Awards 2016 and won the
innovation category, sponsored by McLaren, with her idea to introduce a solar-powered visual alert system for tramlines. Her completion brief had been: ‘We challenge you to propose solutions to
manage potential distractions from new information sources and thought processes in order to maintain or improve transportation safety’. Now in its third year, the competition, held in
association with Babcock International Group, encourages the most talented and ambitious UK science, technology, engineering and mathematics undergraduates to push themselves beyond their degree syllabuses. Abi said: “I never imagined that my entry to the
STEM awards would get anywhere – it’s surreal. “My idea to introduce a safer visual alert system,
as opposed to the current sounding of a bell on the trams, was well received by McLaren and I was so proud to learn that I have been offered tailored work experience with them in the future.” The winners will be announced at the UK
STEM Awards gala dinner, at the Heron Tower, in London. Eleanor Taylor, the college’s Head of
Higher Education and International, said: “We will all be thinking of Abigayle on 16 June and wishing her every success.”
42 business network June 2016
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56