Two of our T Level Construction Design, Planning and Surveying students, Lewis Kemsley and Kieran Elvy, are involved in the exciting revamp of Splashes leisure centre in Rainham.
They will be working on the £23.7 million pound project as part of their work experience placement with construction company Willmott Dixon. In support of Medway Council’s Climate Change action plan and net zero ambitions, the build will feature electric charging parking spaces and incorporate hardcore from the old Splashes site.
Lewis and Kieran visited the site on Friday 24 March to meet the site management team, gain an understanding of their roles and have a site briefing to go over health and safety procedures. They will be working as part of the site supervisory team. They will attend one day per week during the project over 42 weeks and be mentored by the construction manager.
Martine Whale-Corbett, senior social value manager at Willmott Dixon, explained that through their roles, Lewis and Kieran will:
- Learn about the varied roles that exist, including; construction management, design management, estimating, quantity surveying and planning
- Gain an understanding of the roles that consultants play in the process
- Learn about mechanical, electrical, public health, filtration and drainage design and installation
- Learn about environmental, ecological, health & safety, quality and sustainability measures
- Gain knowledge of industry specifications, drawings, reporting, auditing, planning and logistics
- Gain an understanding of how customers’ thoughts and feedback is included.
She went on to say, “We are proud to offer unique work experience placements that give students the chance to work alongside highly qualified and experienced professionals. It enables them to combine classroom theory with real life experiences whilst building confidence and self-esteem. Work experience also enables us, as a business, to support local schools and colleges to meet their Gatsby benchmarks for good careers provision. Many of our current management trainees originally joined us to complete work experience and then applied to the programme!”
Kieran and Lewis are due to start their placement at the Splashes construction site in April 2023, with Lewis commenting, “I will get to see multiple pathways within construction to help me to decide what I want to focus on in my career. I am looking forward to gaining experience from the team and learning more about construction.”
Good luck – we can’t wait to see the results and use the fabulous new facilities when completed!
