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A four million pound set of works at Wirral Met College's Twelve Quays campus, in Birkenhead, has reached a key milestone - the halfway point of work, with a new teaching block.
According to Birkenhead News, the Maths and English Centre was completed by contractor Krol Corlett, who are known for building the John Lennon Art and Design Building at Liverpool John Moores University and Arrowe Park's Neonatal unit building.
It is now ready for September's intake of students. What makes this project special is the fact that construction students from the college have been hands-on with the project and worked with industry professionals.
Krol Corlett's managing director Dan Tebay, who achieved his joinery qualifications at Wirral Met, said one of the most pleasing aspects of the job was involving the college's construction students.
"The classroom is vital, but there's nothing like being on site experiencing how a complex project is delivered, the discipline needed to ensure everything goes smoothly, and the camaraderie with all the different trades," he said. "Hats off to all the students involved so far – they've done a cracking job and been a great help."
The project has now turned its attention to focusing on the NEXUS Engineering Hub, with work scheduled to conclude in October.
Contract manager Phil Evans said the team would be delivering the new workshop whilst the college operates at full capacity.
"We'll be delivering the new workshop whilst the college functions at full capacity, which requires very careful planning," said Phil. "Many of our sites are 'live' operational workplaces with high footfall, such as hospitals, universities and transport hubs. Not only do our site managers know how to plan around this, but so do our trades and their logistical support."
Gill Banks, Principal and CEO of Wirral Met, said students would benefit from a dedicated, modern environment designed to help them develop essential Maths and English skills. She also expressed excitement at the students gaining their experience through the project and working with people from the building project.
"Experiences like this are invaluable in preparing the next generation of skilled workers for successful careers in the sector."
