Workplace student inspired to pursue a career in construction

This week, Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), is celebrating the success of a local student, who has just been awarded a permanent position with one of its sub-contractors, after successfully completing a series of work placements across a number of its development sites.

Callum Smith was previously a student at Langley College, where he was studying a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Construction & the Built Environment. To support the course, SUR offered the students an opportunity to take part in a two-week site office placement with Lovell Partnerships Ltd on its residential housing project at Wexham Green.

Callum was quick to put himself forward and after taking so much from the placement, he proactively pursued further opportunities to gain hands-on experience across SUR’s sites.

Callum went on to complete a series of placements, firstly with Stepnell and then with Morgan Sindall Construction on the former library site in the heart of the town. Callum has since returned to complete a fourth work placement with SUR small sites contractor Life Build Solutions on the Alpha Street project. It is with Life Build that he has now received an offer of employment and he has been appointed as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager.

Ged Humphries, Training & Skills Coordinator for Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), said: “At SUR, it is important to us that we work together with our supply chain to create employment and skills opportunities for local residents. From offering work placements and trainee/graduate positions to attending careers/information days and industry events, we have been able to reach out to a wide audience, helping to raise awareness among young people about the vast and varied career opportunities available within the construction industry.

“Callum has been a fantastic student who has worked hard and shown great commitment, great enthusiasm and great promise. His new role is very much deserved, and we wish him every success in his future career in construction.”

Alan Vaux, Construction Manager, LIFE Build added: “Callum is a welcome addition to our site team and in these troubled times, shows that LIFE Build take seriously its commitment to Social Value and local employment”

Earlier this year, Callum was awarded the SUR Gold Star Work Experience Award for being an outstanding work experience student and for successfully completing a series of work placements to an exceptionally high standard. Callum is now attending Uxbridge College where he is taking a HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Construction & the Built Environment, Level 4 course, which he will complete alongside his new role with Life Build.