Derby College Group (DCG) has partnered with construction software specialists, Access ConQuest, to help prepare students undertaking T Level qualifications for the world of work
The construction software will be used by students on a daily basis to help prepare them for future roles and gain a better understanding of the systems currently used by industry professionals.
T Levels involve 80% time spent in college and 20% on an industrial placement.
Developed in collaboration with employers, the goal is to ensure that the content prepares students for work, further training or study as well as meeting the needs of the industry.
DCG will be partnering with a number of firms, including Access ConQuest, to give students undertaking a T Level in construction, design, surveying and planning the edge when looking for their first professional role.
‘Give T Level students a head start in their career’
Rebecca Hartshorn, founding member of DCG’s professional construction employment and skills board (ESB), said: “Digital capabilities and a working knowledge of the software that’s used within the industry are both vital skills that will give T Level students a head start in their career.”
Access ConQuest software is widely used across the industry, particularly when calculating estimates, take-offs and measurements and bills, making it an important aspect of estimating and commercial roles.
Hartshorn added: “As a company, we would certainly look favourably on a young person who has a working knowledge of this software and other digital tools, as we know they’ll be able to hit the ground running on key tasks.”
Derby College’s T Levels launch was marked by a visit from the minister for apprenticeships and skills, Gillian Keegan.
The minister met the first students enrolled on the construction, design, surveying and planning T Level programme and joined an ice-breaker which was led virtually by representatives from Bowmer + Kirkland.
Commenting on her visit, Keegan said: “Derby College is one of the pioneers of the T Level programme and I’m delighted to see the investment that has been made in digital facilities that will be crucial in providing rigorous and high-quality study programmes that will be recognised as the gold standard in technical education.”
‘Practical skills and experience’
Andy Day, estimating, take off & surveying software consultant at Access ConQuest, added: “We’re really pleased to have partnered with Derby College Group and see a number of great benefits to the T Level qualifications.
“It’s vitally important that students leave education not only with a qualification but practical skills and experience that can be applied to future roles.
“Our ConQuest software is used widely by a range of firms specialising in fit-outs and refurbishments, building, civil engineering, quantity surveying, as well as subcontractors – so whatever career path these students decide upon, they’ll be well prepared for the tasks ahead of them.”
To find out more about the Access ConQuest software and how it’s used by estimators, quantity surveyors and finance teams click here.
You can find out more about the T-Levels on offer by visiting the Derby College website.
