Lincoln Transport Hub helps bridge the skills gap

This story is over

The Lincoln Transport Hub could pave the way to bridging the skills gap in Lincolnshire say contractors Willmott Dixon.

The £30 million regeneration scheme will provide a new state-of-the-art bus station, 1,000 space multi-storey car park, retail units and pedestrian plaza area connecting the new facilities with Lincoln Central Railway Station.

Willmott Dixon, which is delivering the project, is working to ensure local people are benefitting from the scheme through an ongoing programme of on-site training and engagement with schools, universities and community outreach activities – working in partnership with the City of Lincoln Council.

Sam Gale, a 17-year-old construction student at Priory City of Lincoln Academy, is one of a number of students completing work placements with the Willmott Dixon team throughout their course.

He said: “We are learning about how a building site actually works and what it’s really like to work in construction – there’s so much more to it than we’re taught in the classroom, so this is a really valuable experience.

“During my time with the team here, I’ve learnt a lot about the different roles available and am now thinking about looking at construction management as a career. I’d previously wanted to become a joiner so it has really opened my eyes to other options.”

Construction management students from the nearby Nottingham Trent University will also use the scheme as part of their degree course as they are tasked with creating their own tender and design proposals using the initial brief put to Willmott Dixon – they will visit the site twice during the academic year.

The contractor is also supporting a dedicated ‘returnship’ programme for a former army mechanic who has experienced severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Operations director for Willmott Dixon, Nick Heath, said: “There is a very real skills gap in the construction industry and by undertaking these important programmes with schools and universities, we are helping to build the foundations for the industry of tomorrow.”