The aim of this project is to bridge the gap in education identified by local employers, between the classroom and a live construction site. The Milburn Innovation Park will provide a safe, controlled site environment for students to develop essential employability skills.
We have officially relaunched our project to build an innovative new training facility at the Milburn Campus in collaboration with construction giant Morgan Sindall and the New Anglia Building Growth Group.
The innovative plan, thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, includes the construction of ten 5mx6m training pods, each dedicated to a different trade in which the students can gain valuable on-site experience, and demonstrate different types of construction whilst adhering to live site rules and regulations. We will also be introducing new training in Building Information Modelling (BIM), filling a void in current training provisions within the region.
The aim of this project is to bridge the gap in education identified by local employers, between the classroom and a live construction site. The Milburn Innovation Park will provide a safe, controlled site environment for students to develop essential employability skills.
The project will also serve to connect our students with employers, contractors, consultants and different suppliers; reinforcing West Suffolk College’s mission to provide the students with valuable connections with employers in order to maximise their future potential.
Debbie Coomes explained: “It is vital that our students leave our college with the skills and competencies required within the region, in both conservation and modern construction and are fully prepared for their first job in the construction industry. We are committed to giving our students the skills to succeed in their industry’.
We have already secured 50% of the funding through grants and are now reaching out to national and local businesses and individuals to contribute towards the development of Milburn Innovation Park. There are different levels of sponsorship available, however donations are also welcomed in the form of time, materials and advice to help get this project up and running. The initial process is already underway, with various local companies already pledging their support:
- Holmes Plant and Construction have kindly offered to donate their time, machinery and expertise to dig out the road and 5 of the 10 pods.
- DJ Evans have kindly donated PPE materials for the students to wear on-site.