To celebrate the successful completion of the first year of their two-year T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, a group of Weston College learners recently enjoyed an educational day out in Bristol.

The group travelled to Bristol, meeting at Temple Meads station before making their way to the Welcome Building – a 207,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art office development. They were given a guided tour by Senior Building Manager, James Puffitt, and Facilities Manager, James Ashton, who provided a detailed insight into the building’s design, features, and sustainability credentials.

The tour covered all areas of the development, from the photovoltaic solar panels and a backup generator on the rooftop, down to the cycle storage, showers, and lockers found on basement level. The building is fully electric, with heating and cooling powered by the Bristol Heat Network, which draws energy from the city’s river network. Learners were able to view both an unoccupied floorplate and a newly completed fit-out, preparing to welcome a new tenant the following week.

James Puffitt noted, “I was pleased the students took something away from the visit. They are our future, so it's important to inform and inspire them where we can.”

After a short break, the group visited a live construction site at One Friary, Temple Quay, where Beard Construction is carrying out a 60,000 sq. ft. office redevelopment. Site Manager, Jordon Marlow, led the learners on a guided tour of the site, where they watched a crane lift in action and observed different stages of construction, including structural steelwork, concreting, and metal decking. One of the learners is currently completing their industry placement on this site as part of the 315-hour work experience requirement of the T-Level course.

The day concluded with lunch at Bristol Harbourside, offering the learners time to reflect on what they had seen and learned and celebrate the end of the academic year with their peers.

Daniel Comerford, Construction Professions Lecturer at Weston College, commented, “I’ve been very impressed with the progress the learners have made since September. This visit was a great way to round off a successful first year, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in their second year.”

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Construction courses in September, click here.