Construction giants work with college to pave the way for pioneering project

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Getting started on the Milburn Innovation Park groundworks
Getting started on the Milburn Innovation Park groundworks

There is rapid progress on West Suffolk College’s pioneering Milburn Innovation Park project after construction giant Terrasite Ltd, part of the Breheny Group, stepped in to work on the groundworks.

The Milburn Innovation Park will see college students construct ten different training pods as part of their learning. Each pod will have a unique style, ranging from the traditional styles such as clay lump, lime plastering and flint work; to more modern methods of construction such as modular.

Not only will the project enable students to work on a live construction site and receive invaluable on-site training, but it will also see them train in the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) – filling a void in current provision within the region.

Ralph Daff, Managing Director at Terrasite said: “The construction skills shortage is concerning to all organisations within the built environment across the UK.

“When we found out about the Milburn Innovation Park, we knew we wanted to get involved and contribute what we could towards the project. It’s a big step for budding construction trainees to enter into employment, particularly a construction site. This project, therefore, helps towards preparing students more for working in a site based environment, which will benefit both employee and employer.”

Equipment arriving at the Milburn Innovation Park site
Equipment arriving at the Milburn Innovation Park site

As well as working on the site, Terrasite also committed to working directly with the students and made a generous donation of PPE worth £500.

Mark Ames, Head of Construction at the college said: We are over the moon with the generous support we have had from Terrasite and it was brilliant to see them come into work with our students.

“On top of this, they very generously donated us some PPE and signage. A huge thank you to Ralph and Paul from Terrasite.”

The college has embarked on this innovative project to tackle the current skills shortage and to bridge the skills gap in the local construction industry. A number of local businesses operating within the built environment are also working with the team in support of the project.

If you and your business are interested in sponsoring one of the pods to contribute to this unique project, please contact 01473 684192.

Groundworks at Milburn Innovation Park
Groundworks at Milburn Innovation Park