Looking to the future

Formalising the partnership

Although this year marks six years of collaboration, we have this month taken the step to formalise our relationship with the signing of an education partnership. MD for the East Peter Whitmore explains just what this means.

Signing this partnership is actually one of the most rewarding things. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Gatsby Benchmarks by delivering a series of curriculum activities, lectures and work experience placements. Whilst we’ve already been doing that for the last six years with West Suffolk College, we’re showing that we’re here to stay supporting them for the long term, and build on the fantastic successes we’ve already had together.

Peter Whitmore, Morgan Sindall Construction

The signing of the partnership with West Suffolk College marks our 12th with education establishments across the East of England. The team has also sponsored a classroom, provided PPE for 60 students and will continue with curriculum activities and work experience placements fo the college.

Looking to the future

This is, however, an infinite journey, and one which the partnership signing represents.Ben Coleman, former student at West Suffolk College, is working with HR lead Sam Millson and other Morgan Sindall Construction colleagues to support the re-introduction of the HNC Construction in the Built Environment in the 2021/22 year, followed by the HND the year after, as well as consulting on the development of a three year BSc Honours in Construction Management.Jane Carter, Head of Business, Law and Humanities and Engineering and Construction is working with the team on all three fronts: “We recognised the lack of provider for these courses in the East of England, so it’s been great to be able to work with Morgan Sindall Construction to be able to bring these courses, which act as a gateway to the industry for our students, back into the choice architecture. As we move into 2022, our offering will be even stronger and we’ll continue to consult with former students and professionals like Ben and Helen to be able shape the best possible curriculum.” In terms of the formalised partnership, Helen already has workshop plans in place with the College, and is looking forward to the successful progression of the next talented apprentice, fresh out of college:

“We’re so grateful to be able to have this partnership with West Suffolk College. We have also just brought Finlay into the business who has started his full-time apprenticeship this month, and I’m looking forward to watching and supporting his development, so that he can then return back to the College to inspire that next generation of talent.”

Debbie Coomes, Executive Director at West Suffolk College has been working with Helen over the last six years and is looking forward to what the newly signed partnership will continue to bring:

Working with Morgan Sindall Construction is proof that long-term partnerships with meaningful activities and targets really do work. It has helped us develop our students and it’s helped Morgan Sindall find talented apprentices that have gone on to climb their career ladder. Knowing the partnership will continue long into the future is something the college is really grateful for and I know our students are excited about their futures because of it too.