Pictured above: Willmott Dixon and Colmers School students build on their experience

A team of volunteers from Willmott Dixon's Birmingham south branch have formed a partnership with a local school which will help to deliver career benefits for construction trainees and their classmates too.

Tradesmen from the branch have worked with a group of Year 10 students from Colmers School, in Rednal, to create a paved patio area to enable their fellow students to eat their packed lunches outside during the upcoming summer months, whilst also gaining valuable work experience at the same time. 

Of the nine students, four have recently been undertaking a bricklaying course for half a day a week, so this was a good experience to put their skills to the test. 

The team spent three days working at the school digging out an area of approximately 45 square metres and installing a paved patio area which is to be used as an outside continental eating area for students. All materials have been donated by the company too. 

Additionally, Richard Freeman, Customer and Community Officer for Willmott Dixon will be running groups talks with the school students about construction, and the work they are carrying out at the school, including the materials being used. Willmott Dixon has worked with the school in the past taking part in careers fairs and co-ordinating mock interviews with students. 

Richard says, "We were approached by the school and felt it was a good opportunity for the students to build on their bricklaying experience. We were also keen to speak with some of the students about careers in construction and the various apprenticeships and work experience placements we have on offer."

Alice Hanlon, Careers Manager for Colmers School, says, "When we first approached the students to ask them if they would like to take part, they all jumped at the opportunity. These students are in year 10 so will be able to reap the benefits of their hard work for the next year and will also be able to take the credit for a job well done. Richard Freeman has been supporting the School for a long time and the school were very pleased when our request for help was accepted."

Mr Barry Doherty, Headteacher, added that "our students are always encouraged to see new ways to improve our great school environment and now have this opportunity to literally build these new spaces and facilities for themselves."

Willmott Dixon Partnerships is currently working with Birmingham City Council to repair and maintain 60,000 properties in the city. It's two contracts for the north and south of the city includes the areas of Edgbaston, Hall Green, Northfield, Selly Oak, Ladywood, Erdington, Perry Bar and Sutton Coldfield. It aims to reduce the cost of this service by £47m over the five year terms of the two contracts.

Willmott Dixon Group is one of the UK's largest privately-owned capital works, regeneration and support services companies.

With over 158 years of experience, the company provides services within the built environment to Government, registered social landlords, local authorities and private sector clients throughout the UK.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships works with social housing landlords, currently providing support services to over 120,000 homes, 1,200 public buildings and 50 commercial properties across the UK.