23rd May 2019
What We Do
By working on real projects carefully designed to provide a wide range of skills and knowledge we prepare you for life in the ‘real world’ of construction and specifically civil and coastal engineering and its many diverse sectors. Through lectures from industry professionals and specifically selected assessments and site visits students gain practical experience of the proficiencies and competencies required of an industry professional.
This year has seen a significant increase in Higher Apprentices entering all programmes at all levels. These apprentices have come from both Levy paying and small businesses. Our Higher Apprentices have a range of age and experience, from school leavers new to industry to more experienced employees looking to upskill.
HNC Civil & Coastal Engineering students spent 2 days in Dorset to study the coastlines geology and to visit Winspitt Quarry where they will undertake the conceptual design of a hotel and marina.
HNC Civil & Coastal Engineering students were guests of Principal Contractor Midas on SDC’s new Hi Tech & Digital building currently under construction.
FdSc Construction and Civil & Coastal Engineering students have recently visited Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge in Plymouth whilst also taking in a site tour of Smeaton’s Tower and Plymouth’s massive new £53M Bretonside cinema complex being built by contractor McLaren.
HNC Sustainable Construction students were guests of the Torbay Development Agency (TDA) at Oldway Mansion. The visit supported their group project focusing on a feasibility study to breathe new life into historical buildings.
What we are planning to Do
FdSc/HNC Sustainable Construction students will be visiting London to attend the Futurebuild exhibition at the ExCel Arena to attend seminars at the Urban Infrastructure Hub. They will also be visiting Tideway, London’s 25km ‘super sewer’ under the Thames.
Our Industry is Growing
Construction organisations need to consider new skills, new processes and develop strategies around emerging technologies that will ensure that the UK stays at the top of construction in a digital future. With a requirement to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions to 80% of its 1990 level by the year 2050 new materials, methods, technologies and strategies will need to be adopted. Civil Engineering needs leaders not only to manage projects but to shape the future. Climate change, rising sea levels and increased flood events are issues that civil engineers will be addressing more in the very near future. Our programmes are designed so that students can meet current industry needs and challenges.
