CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS TO ENHANCE INDUSTRY SKILLS THANKS TO FUNDING BOOST

Construction students studying at South & City College Birmingham now have the chance to enhance their industry skills further, thanks to a £10,000 donation from the National Federation of Builders (NFB) – the construction industry’s longest established trade association. 

The college received the funding following the NFB’s annual meeting which was followed by a celebratory gala dinner, in which Neil Walters, former regional chairman of NFB, was appointed as national chair. To commemorate his appointment, Neil presented two companies that are close to his heart with a £10,000 donation.

Neil Walters, said: “I am extremely proud to provide this additional funding to the college to help more construction students develop their skills.

“Over the last four years, we have formed a strong relationship with the college and provided a bursary that has supported over 400 students. Some of these young people may have been unable to complete their studies or receive the work experience necessary to qualify, so the bursary has really helped those that need the help the most. This additional donation will allow more students to gain experience in the real world and reach their potential.

“The bursary ends in March 2019 and we will be looking at how we continue the great work and partnership we’ve built up with South & City College Birmingham.”

The National Federation of Builder’s Foundation Fund has so far provided a total of £110,000 to help young people in the region access the skills and opportunities needed for a future in the construction industry.

A former student of the college, Lindsay Joan Berry, received £3,000 from the NFB to support with her tuition fees. She completed a BA Honours degree at Birmingham City University in construction management last year.

Lindsay Berry, said: “Without the support of NFB, I wouldn’t have been able to go to university and study something I am truly passionate about. It has opened many opportunities for me and it’s great to see that the funding could potentially do that for other students at the college too.”

Bob Howlett, Head of Faculty for Technology and the Built Environment at South & City College Birmingham, added: “We are delighted to be working with NFB to raise the profile of construction with the young people of Birmingham at a time when construction output is set to boom in the area, this additional funding will support the next generation of young talent at the college and provide them with an opportunity to join or industry and go on to build their future in construction.

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“Birmingham is enjoying the highest level of development for 15 years, therefore we want to ensure our students are equipped with the right skills and experience to prepare them for the real world – the funding will allow us to do just that.”

For more information about NFB and how it has helped students, watch the NFB Gala Dinner video here  https://wetransfer.com/downloads/0edb20111b2a986d9b1cd0e4a6f6687d20180724153749/c74407af9caafe52372115e5947c1d1e20180724153749/faa2f7 or visit www.sccb.ac.uk.