Construction student gains valuable industry experience by being mentored by former Barnsley College student

Construction student, Thomas Firth, has been getting industry experience and training through his 45-day industry placement at leading energy and utilities company, Engie, whilst being mentored by a former Barnsley College Construction student.

Thomas, who is currently studying Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment, has been increasing his employability skills, getting involved in the day-to-day activities at Engie and learning how a large utilities company operates. He is shadowing Oliver Wilde, a Trainee Construction Technician at Engie, who completed the same course as Thomas at Barnsley College in 2018.

Thomas said: “My industry placement at Engie has been amazing! When I first went there I was quite shy but after being there a few weeks my confidence increased and I find the team really easy to talk to. They have made me feel part of the team and I believe that my skills have improved along with my knowledge of construction in the built environment.”
Oliver added: “Having Thomas here is helping me learn how to become a future leader. Industry placements help to bring people about the construction industry as well as helping students gain valuable industry experience into what occurs on a construction site on a day-to-day basis. I believe Thomas has a bright future ahead of him and he has shown great enthusiasm and commitment.”

Danny Rossie, Deputy Head of Department for Construction at the College, added: “Industry placements are helping our students engage with local and national construction companies and they provide our students with a stepping stone in their careers.”

Thomas’ industry placement is part of a Government scheme in preparation for the new T Level courses starting in September 2020. T Levels will offer a mixture of classroom learning and approximately 45-days of on-the-job experience through industry placements. They will play an important part in helping to fill the skills gap and provide young people with the skills and knowledge required to thrive and support the economy.

For more information about industry placements and T Levels visit our T Levels page

It’s not too late to study a Construction course at Barnsley College starting in September. For more information email us or give us a call on 01226 216 123.