Pictured above: Foundation Degree students working on the
Abraham Darby project are, from left, Daniel Harmer, Emma
Williams, and Dan Brett
Three Shropshire students are benefiting from a Telford-based
project team's commitment to training and development.
The trio - Emma Williams, Daniel Harmer and Dan Brett - are
working for Kier Moss, the company which is developing the brand
new Abraham Darby Sports and Learning Community in Madeley.
Kier Moss regional director, Gary Pearce, said: "As part of all
our development projects, we aim to provide training opportunities
on site for our supply chain, partners and local industry.
"And as part of the Abraham Darby scheme, we are supporting
local schools by creating specific learning opportunities where
students can see the relevance of the work they do at school
through real life examples on site.
"This partnership has led to our company employing the three
young people who are all local, and who are now studying foundation
degrees in construction-related subjects."
The students are working towards the Kier foundation degree in
construction, supported by Shrewsbury College of Arts and
Technology, and Sheffield Hallam University. Their course is fully
accredited by the Chartered Institute of Builders, and runs over
3.5 years, with the opportunity to complete a final year to achieve
a full BSc (Hons) degree.
The students are:
Emma Williams, from Much Wenlock, who initially joined Kier Moss
as a site secretary on the project to rebuild her old school - the
William Brookes School. She is now based at the Abraham Darby site
and is hoping to become a quantity surveyor.
Daniel Harmer, from Shrewsbury, who has six previous generations
of his family in the construction industry, and is now an assistant
engineer. He won the Birmingham Young Achiever 2010 award.
Dan Brett, from St Georges, who attended the Duke of York's
Royal Military School combining education with military life, and
who is now working as a management trainee with Kier.
"We're very pleased with the progress our trainees have shown so
far, and anyone who completes the Kier foundation degree has the
potential to make a real contribution in the workplace, and
fast-track their career," said Gary.