Birnbeck Pier restoration provides opportunities for local students
- Dan Heley
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Local construction students are getting hands-on experience at Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare thanks to a partnership between North Somerset Council and Weston College.
Those studying at Weston College for a T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction will benefit from time on the Birnbeck Pier construction site.
This will include guided technical walks, and opportunities to directly interact and learn from construction professionals.
In addition, two students have been selected for placements with the council’s appointed contractors following a competitive process.
A combination of college and practical work-based learning, the T-Level course provides the technical skills and workplace experience needed to kick-start careers in the construction industry. 315 hours of practical experience is required in order for students to pass the course, which is a technical qualification equivalent to three A Levels.
Finton was appointed by Bristol-based Smith and Brenson, the council’s appointed contractor delivering the landside phase. Fin has been part of the on-site team for over four months, having started in mid-December.
Ashton started on site last week. Ashton was appointed by Mackley, a specialist civil engineering contractor with extensive experience and expertise of working in a marine environment and with heritage structures.
Mackley has been appointed by the council to deliver the restoration of the Grade II* Listed pier structure.
Finton said:
“I’ve learnt a great deal since starting my placement. The hands-on work I’ve done has been very helpful as it’s given me a strong understanding of the project and the challenges that come with it. Working in the site office and joining project meetings has been especially beneficial for my college course as it’s allowed me to see the different roles people take on within projects and how they contribute to the overall outcome. This is also helping me to develop a clearer understanding of what I might like to do in my future career and the different options available to me."
Ashton said:
“I’m gaining real hands-on experience alongside classroom learning, which makes everything feel more relevant and exciting. It’s helped me build confidence in my skills and given me a clear path towards a future career in the industry.
Considering how important the pier is historically, it’s great to be playing a small role in its restoration. It closed before I was born, so I’m looking forward to being able to access it for the first time once work is complete.”
Daniel Comerford, Lecturer in Construction Professions at Weston College, said:
“We are extremely grateful to North Somerset Council and their contractors - Smith and Brenson, and Mackley - in allowing two of our learners the opportunity to work on the Birnbeck Pier project. This will allow them to put into practice the skills that we teach them in college, to a real-life, complex project, which in turn will increase their learning and understanding of the complexities of the construction industry.”
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, said:
“Congratulations to Fin and Ashton – what a fantastic opportunity for them. I’m pleased to see that we’re delivering these T-Level placements as part of a range of social value commitments that our contractors have made to the project.
“We’re keen to get as many people involved with the project as possible through our comprehensive community engagement plan, made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to Weston College for their willingness to work with us to create opportunities like these which help local young people to access rewarding careers in construction.”
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning, added:
“Industry placements are a key feature of T-Levels, offering students invaluable experience in their chosen fields and equipping them with the skills they need for future careers. What a fantastic opportunity for these local young people to learn on site at such an interesting heritage project of national importance. I’m pleased to see the council continuing to partner with Weston College as part of our wider strategy to ensure that our children and young people are given opportunity to thrive.”
To find out more about:
all the T-Level opportunities available at Weston College, visit www.weston.ac.uk/t-levels.
North Somerset Council’s social value policy, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/SocialValue
the Birnbeck Pier project, visit the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust’s information hub next to the pier or the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/BirnbeckPierProject.
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