Students to experience live project environment as Winvic unveils ‘site office’ at Walsall College

Winvic Construction Ltd a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has installed a new purpose-built site office at Walsall College. This community initiative further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Winvic and the college and reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful social value.

Understanding the positive impact that real site experience can bring to students, Winvic volunteers created a site office classroom in the space, giving students studying T Level Construction Design, Surveying & Planning, BTEC Higher National Certificate in Construction Management for England and Trades/Level 2 courses Brickwork and Site Carpentry, the opportunity to experience what it would be like working from site in a live project environment. It will also serve as a venue for meetings and to welcome visitors to the college.

The Winvic team was supported by skilled volunteers from across its supply chain. Contributing partners included cladding contractor Hathaway, who designed and built the internal walling; door specialists Bespoke, who installed the fire door; and commercial painting and decorating specialists, Central Contractors, who supplied the distinctive Winvic red paint – donating their time, expertise, and materials to the cause.

The completion of the site office was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Winvic team members, college representatives including Assistant Principal James Norris, Industry Placement Officer Mandy Cresswell, DSP delivery staff and T Level Students who Winvic have supported.

Winvic and Walsall College have a collaborative partnership that facilitates education and work placement opportunities for the college’s construction students, which has led to successful employment outcomes.

With the introduction of the national T Level qualification, Winvic integrated the practical learning and soft skills requirements of the new qualification into its operations. This commitment has won the contractor numerous awards at a national level including recognition for its impactful work with Walsall College students.

The initiative also complements Winvic’s broader social value activity in the region, closely linked to its nearby industrial scheme, Sentinel Park at The Fort Birmingham. It forms part of Winvic’s ongoing efforts to support education and skills development through site visits, CV workshops, careers guidance, and the company’s structured Enrichment Programme, which offers students up to five days of industry insight.

In recognition of its contributions, Winvic was recently named Employer of the Year at Walsall Colleges’ annual STAR Awards. The event celebrated students’ achievements, teaching excellence, and the vital role of employer partnerships in enhancing learning outcomes. This accolade reflects the dedication of Winvic’s project teams who have supported students across schemes including West Midlands Interchange, Indurent Park Burton, SEGRO Logistics Park Coventry, and Crown Place in Birmingham.

Kayleigh Merritt at Winvic, said: “Having worked with Walsall College over the last three years delivering our Enrichment Programme – which provides students with up to five days of construction industry insight – as well as many other learning initiatives, it’s important to us that students have every opportunity to learn, build confidence in preparation for the world of work and thrive.

“Seeing the available space in the college and wanting to provide as close to a live site project office as possible for the students, Winvic commenced this community project which brought together the shared commitment of Winvic and the college in quality education and experience.

“As a team we are proud to see this space now in use and it having a positive impact on the students’ learning experience.”

James Norris, Assistant Principal, Adults and Work-based Learning, at Walsall College, said: “Walsall College makes every effort to prepare students for work by focusing on the virtues of being skilled, professional and enterprising.

“This new site office allows us to place students in a real-life work environment within the college, enhancing their knowledge, raising their aspirations and building the confidence they need to pursue successful careers in advanced construction.

“We’re very grateful to Winvic for their continued support in nurturing the next generation of construction industry professionals, both during their studies and as they begin their careers.”