In a feat of innovative collaboration, we joined forces with Bouygues UK to deliver virtual work experience for our entire year 9 and 10 year groups.
Bouygues UK is a construction company that operates across many different sectors, including Residential, Education and Healthcare. With over 6,000 employees and operations totalling over £1.5bn sales, Bouygues UK is helping to improve the built environment across the nation.
During the virtual work experience, learners worked on a project to design and plan for a sustainable school. Having undertaken many sustainability construction projects- such as working with Swansea council to provide carbon zero flexible co-working spaces and office opportunities for businesses- Bouygues UK were able to offer our learners informed expertise and guidance on how to approach this project. Learners were introduced to the concept Passivhaus- a leading international design standard which seeks to slash energy use from buildings whilst still delivering high standards of comfort and health.
As a team we were amazed at the dedication the 160 students showed over the last four days of virtual work experience, this was particularly relevant and showed a real enthusiasm as this was the last week of their summer term and the weather was extremely hot. The presentations we have received have been well thought out and showed understanding the project requirements and teamwork, well done to all! - Paula Arkell, Social Value Manager of Bouygues |
During the planning process, learners were encouraged to consider and justify their choices for every aspect of their sustainable school. To present their ideas, learners put together PowerPoints which focused on their aims, material use, location, energy use, waste management and even finances! Many learners even designed floor plans and sketches to elucidate their vision of the ideal sustainable school.
We are grateful to Bouygues UK for taking the time to give over 150 learners the chance to work on an exciting construction project and develop an understanding of how we can build for a more sustainable present and future. As one of the leading construction companies in the industry, we are confident that the future built environment professionals at LDE UTC have been informed and inspired!
The engagement and attendance of all learners during this week’s virtual work experience has been outstanding. The final presentations were amazing and have been commended by the Bouygues’ team. It has been great to see that our learners are further developing a world of work skills such as communication, presentation, budgeting, design, creativity and leadership. - Kenan- Assistant Principal. |
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