The Manchester College is launching a new industry-sponsored Architectural and Construction Engineering (ACE) Scholarship in Construction and The Built Environment for 16 to 18 year olds.
Five leading construction industry experts, Bardsley Construction, Conlon Construction, Kier Regional Building North West, Lovells and Vinci Construction UK, are the first to sign up to the Level 3 Architectural and Construction Engineering Scholarship and will sponsor students aged 16 to 18 throughout the two-year programme. The scholarship will see its first intake start this September 2019.
The companies are all leading constructors with a North West combined portfolio in excess of £700m and are significant contributors to the UK and Greater Manchester’s economy in both financial and social terms.
Chris Wright, Assistant Principal for Automotive Construction Engineering and Logistics at the College, said: “We are extremely excited to be working with these prestigious constructors on providing what is a unique opportunity for the region’s students.
“Not only will the project provide opportunities to study the most up-to-date curriculum, informed by practicing industry experts, it will also enable learners to truly experience the world of work, alongside industry partners inside and outside the classroom every week.”
The programme is designed to provide the necessary skills and real-life experience for a career in the Architectural and Construction Engineering sector. It will include the co-delivery of industry designed bespoke modules, masterclass sessions from industry experts, and an extended 45-day industry placement programme to convert theory into practice. Theory is complimented by a full range of related field trips, covering areas of the sector such as transportation, infrastructure, civil engineering, sustainable energy and urban regeneration.
Chris continued: “A range of co-designed bespoke modules, such as Digital and BIM Modelling, Modern Methods of Construction, Pre Construction, Social Value and Sustainability, enhance the Level 3 BTEC Extended National Diploma and really bring the scholarship to life.”
Successful applicants will receive a £300 bursary each year and a free tablet console to support and develop independent learning. Students will also benefit from an international student exchange in the second year, broadening horizons and opening doors to a global industry.
Lara Da Rocha Faria, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kier Regional Building North West, on behalf of Kier, Bardsley Construction, Conlon Construction, Lovells and Vinci Construction UK, said: “As a group of constructors we are very excited to be partnering with the number one college in Greater Manchester for achievement, to help shape the future curriculum for our industry. The 45-day placements help us to influence the skills and attributes our industry needs in its future employees and upskill Greater Manchester’s residents.
“Working with the tutors at the College to co-design and co-deliver bespoke modules allows us to better align and connect the real world of work with further education. This enables us to support The Manchester College in ensuring that their curriculum is the most up-to-date it can be, with the very latest techniques, technologies and practices from the industry.
“We are all very excited about meeting and sponsoring our students, and can’t wait to get started!”
