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Newcastle College students gain unique insight into new Sixth Form development
Posted On 9th November 2012 By Chris Knox
Construction students from Newcastle College are now among the first people to see inside the new landmark Newcastle Sixth Form College development after visiting the site as part of their training.
The five students, who are all working towards an NVQ Level 3 Heating and Ventilation Installation (Commercial) apprenticeship, were invited by on-site contractors BAM to take part in a guided tour of the site and were given a unique insight into what it takes to work on such a major project.
Adrian Cairns, Services Engineering Director at BAM, was on hand to cover everything from the building's under-floor heating systems to the installation of high specification chilled beams, which are used to regulate temperature as well as control lighting.
The students also gained access to the building's roof in order to see how the complex air coolant system operates as well as get peek of the building's spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Taking part in the tour were 21-year-old Jordan Cook, who is from Gateshead and is an apprentice with the Upnorth Group, Andrew Miller, 21, who is from Chester-le-Street and is an apprentice at Newcastle City Council, Perry McAllister, 19, who is from Washington and is an apprentice with Kennedy Services Ltd, James Douglas, 28, who is from Blyth and is an apprentice with HLA Services, and 19-year-old Ross Dickinson, who is from Newcastle and is completing his apprenticeship at Newcastle City Council.
Five more Newcastle College students are due to visit the site on November 29, all of whom are studying an NVQ Level 2 Heating and Ventilation Installation (Commercial) apprenticeship.
Adrian Cairns said: "It's great to be able to give these students the chance to see inside a real working building site on the scale of Newcastle Sixth Form College. Visits like these are important in making sure that students know exactly what to expect when they finish their studies. I'd love to think that someday I'll be taking lessons from one of these students about the next generation of heating and ventilation systems."
The new Newcastle Sixth Form College building is due for completion in February next year and will become the first dedicated Sixth Form College in the city, providing a world class learning environment for GCSE, A Level, AS Level and International Baccalaureate students.
The 11,000 sq metre building will include specialised facilities in classrooms, as well as performance studios and laboratories. At the heart of the building there will be an open-plan, light and airy social space with a bistro serving drinks and snacks.
Reg Whitehead, Course Tutor for Heating and Ventilation at Newcastle College, said: "It was great for the students to see how their knowledge is put into practice as part of a development as impressive as Newcastle Sixth Form College. Newcastle College has built up a great relationship with BAM throughout this project and I would like to thank all those involved in these important site visits."
Photo Caption: (L-R) Newcastle College students Jordan Cook and Andrew Miller, Reg Whitehead, Course Tutor for Heating and Ventilation at Newcastle College, Newcastle College student Perry McAllister, Adrian Cairns, Services Engineering Director at BAM, and Newcastle College students James Douglas and Ross Dickinson.