On-site learning for college staff

Aug 7 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

ONE of the region’s longest established construction companies has been teaching Newcastle College a thing or two.

Whelan Construction, based in Gosforth, Newcastle, invited members of the college’s construction courses to the Great Park development site to teach them about advances in the industry, which included a demonstration of how to fit environmentally friendly eco-joists.

The five staff, including a section manager, carpentry and joinery lecturers and instructors, were given a tour of the development which is based on the fringes of Newcastle.

The site is the largest in the region to utilise eco-joists and provided the college’s staff with an insight into their use.

Whelan Construction was set up in 1972, and is involved in a number of sectors, including retail, leisure, housing, education, and industrial projects across the private and public sector.

Bob Warren, construction director at Whelan, said: “It’s extremely important students get the chance to go on site visits, but we were only too keen to invite staff members on this occasion.

“We appreciate that it is important that they are always one step ahead when it comes to knowledge of advances in the industry.”

The visit is part of an ongoing relationship between Newcastle College and Whelan Construction, as the college has now called on the company to help develop its courses by ensuring that companies are getting what they need out of their apprentices.

Ian Gaskill, operations manager at Newcastle College, said: “The college places huge importance on development and continuous learning for both our staff and students.

“It is vital for us to be able to keep up to date with new technologies and working practices.”