Pictured above: (l-r) Miller Homes' contracts manager, Paul Sweet, and site manager Allen Marshall alongside the Built Environment students from Derby University and Mike Gallanagh, Senior Lecturer in the Built Environment (far right).

Award-winning housebuilder Miller Homes East Midlands is helping to give students a better degree of understanding of the construction process.

Throughout November, first-year students from the University of Derby will take part in a number of visits to the Royal Gate development, off Ashbourne Road, Derby.

The undergraduates are part of the Built Environment faculty at the university, with some studying foundation degrees in architecture, construction or civil engineering, and others studying honours degrees in construction management, architectural venue design or architectural technology and practice.

Specific modules being covered include Health and Safety, Construction Technology, and Construction Materials.

Mike Gallanagh, senior lecturer in the Built Environment, said: "A lot of the students will not have had practical experience from building sites, particularly in terms of health and safety.

"There are a number of professions involved with construction sites, more than people may realise. This visit will be an invaluable learning experience for the students and we are grateful to Miller Homes for giving us this opportunity."

This is the first time that Miller Homes, which this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary, has hosted visits by university students, although it regularly welcomes organised parties from local schools and colleges within the East Midlands area.

Malcolm Ceney, production director for Miller Homes East Midlands, said: "When younger pupils come to our sites, they learn that building is more than just about bricks and mortar and it opens up ideas about different career paths in the construction industry.

"In a similar way, the undergraduates who visit our site will be able to gain experience of a construction site that they will be able to use when they return to their studies."

The Royal Gate development will consist of 49 homes, mostly apartments, and is being built predominantly for a housing association.