UK: Travis Perkins has teamed up with Kirklees College to support their construction courses by providing materials to practice with and opportunities to extend their knowledge by visiting local branches.

Travis Perkins has donated a wide range of building materials and unused stock to aid the brickwork and plastering modules and to help students perform on-site construction tasks in the classroom. Travis Perkins in Huddersfield will accommodate student visits to workshops and branches to offer pupils advice and highlight career paths available within the construction industry.

To further support newcomers to the industry, all students have also been offered a Travis Perkins student membership pack, which contains a purchasing card to buy materials at competitive trade prices.

Paul Whitaker, learner and assessment officer for brickwork at Kirklees College, said: “We are really excited about working with a great builders merchant like Travis Perkins. They said they would like to get involved with the college and help our students and they have been excellent in terms of providing materials, advice and opportunities.

“We were really keen to work with a local business that could help improve the students’ experience at college and add to their employability skills.”

Stephanie Cooper, branch manager of Travis Perkins in Huddersfield, said: “Travis Perkins has an initiative in place to ensure the next generation of construction workers have the necessary skills to drive the industry forward.

"Travis Perkins believe in supporting young builders, so this relationship with Kirklees College is a great way for us to help secure skills for the future of the industry. We’re looking forward to working with the students and putting them on the path to a successful career in construction.”

Travis Perkins regional director, Mark Walker, visited Kirkless College in November and presented the students with their student packs.