Construction students at Northampton College are playing a significant role in creating two major developments in London thanks to an exciting new partnership.
Modular building technology specialist MY-Fab has joined forces with the college to provide work placements to 250 students on carpentry, mechanical, engineering, electrical installation, decorating and plumbing courses this academic year.
MY-Fab specialises in high-precision off-site construction and has developed a bespoke structural steel-framed system which is completely manufactured in its Northampton factory.
Currently, the young people are working on two student accommodation modular building projects at MY-Fab’s Northampton base which are both destined for London.
Explaining why MY-Fab entered into a partnership with the college, factory manager Eilan Azulay said:
“We want to help develop the next generation of local tradespeople with Northampton College. Starting in a place like MY-Fab gives students a great introduction to the construction industry. They’re working indoors in a controlled, safe environment and are learning about the important qualitative characteristics of modern methods of construction which include cost-efficiency, accelerated project timelines and high-quality craftsmanship.
“We’re proud our product has achieved our industry’s highest levels of sustainable marks and standards and showing this to the next generation of builders will hopefully help improve the UK’s building stock.
“Helping students to learn about modern methods of construction now will enable them to play a pivotal role in the future of construction and secure a lifetime of good employment.
“Currently, they’re working on two significant student accommodation projects in our factory, including a six-floor building. They’re getting fantastic experience and when these projects are complete they’ll have somewhere to go to see the fruits of their work as these buildings will last for a long, long time.”
Eilan has been so impressed with the students he advises other businesses to partner with the college. He said:
“We intend to continue to grow in Northampton and take on more projects so we hope this is the start of a long-standing relationship with the college. Their students are intelligent, keen, have a good work ethic and they’re a pleasure to work with.
“We hope this partnership will lead to students joining our company at the end of their studies but even if that doesn’t happen we’ll still feel this has been a beneficial experience.
“We’d encourage other businesses to work with the college. We can’t see any downside to working with Northampton College and its students – there are only benefits.”
Pat Brennan-Barrett, principal of Northampton College, said:
“Establishing robust connections with crucial local employers such as MY-Fab is essential to us as we strive to deliver students who are well-prepared for the workplace.
“We’re very grateful to MY-Fab for offering our students invaluable work experiences and the opportunity to take on important responsibilities and test the skills they’re learning with us on their courses.
“A number of potentially lucrative job roles are becoming available within the construction sector and working with MY-Fab is giving our students the opportunity to shine.”
MY-Fab also recently took part in the college’s latest Employer Fair and has offered to give its teaching team a tour of their factory facilities. To learn more about one of the projects the students are working on simply view the below video.
To find out more about how businesses can partner with Northampton College, visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk, email workexperience@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734323.
