During the course of the day, boys and girls from the school will got hands on experience of Brickwork, blockwork and drainage and tiling / mosaic tasks at the construction skills centre in Kidbrooke Village, where a team of tutors were hand to teach them the skills involved.
Jenni Carrott, Workplace manager for Berkeley Homes said: "We are really looking forward to the students from Thomas Tallis making the short walk over from their school to the construction skills centre at Kidbrooke Village. By working with London South East Colleges we hope that the experience will open their eyes to careers that they may not have thought of undertaking before and inspire the next generation of construction workers."
Kidbrooke Village is currently eight years into a 23 year project which will see just under 5,000 new homes built before 2032, with a Village Centre, revamped train station and a bounty of green space for community events and leisure activities to take place in.
With more than a decade of work still to come, Karl Whiteman Managing Director for Berkeley Homes said: "The students that attended from Thomas Tallis could well be working at Kidbrooke Village in the coming years. They could literally build their own neighbourhood. National Apprenticeship week is about showing them that careers in construction can be fun, demanding and well-rewarded.
Michelle Springer, Director of Guidance for Thomas Tallis School recognises the importance of schools and businesses working together and said: "People will often go throughout their life undertaking a number of different jobs before finding the one that is right for them. When schools and businesses are able to work together in this manner it gives students the chance to try a range of options. Our aim is to ensure that all students have an appreciation for the vast number of jobs that are available and to challenge stereotypes."
Chris Poynton, Communications Officer, Berkely Homes