Inspiring the next generation: West Suffolk College students visit Poundfield Precast

The visit offered the students valuable insight into how precast concrete products are designed, manufactured, and used in real-world construction projects.

The day included presentations on health and safety, a crucial aspect of working in any construction environment. Students learned about the safety procedures that ensure everyone on site stays protected, as well as the importance of maintaining high safety standards throughout all stages of production and installation.

Calum Endean our Operations Manager) spoke to the group about technical drawings and plans, where the group explored how designs move from concept to finished product.

The students were taken on a guided tour of the Poundfield site, giving them the opportunity to see our operations up close. They observed the various production areas, including mould preparation, reinforcement assembly, concrete pouring, and curing. The visit helped the students connect their classroom learning with practical, real-world applications, and many were keen to ask questions about the materials, processes, and machinery involved.

Speaking after the visit, Ian Jones, lecturer in Construction Management from West Suffolk College said:

“The team at Poundfield provided a fantastic learning experience for our students. Seeing how large-scale precast elements are produced and understanding the attention to detail that goes into every stage has been invaluable.”

Apprenticeship opportunities

The visit was just part of the developing relationship we enjoy with West Suffolk College. As a business, we are passionate about encouraging young people into the construction industry and have operated an apprenticeship programme, in conjunction with the college, which offers individuals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised qualification. Apprentices are fully integrated into our teams, learning directly from experienced professionals across all areas of the business, from production and engineering to logistics and quality control.

By combining practical, on-the-job training with classroom-based learning, our apprenticeships provide a solid foundation for a long-term career in construction and manufacturing. Some of our current team members began their journeys as apprentices, and we’re proud to see them now progressing into various skilled roles within the company.

We believe that investing in young talent is key to the continued growth and innovation of our industry. Visits like the one from West Suffolk College help to inspire the next generation and demonstrate the diverse and rewarding career paths available in our industry

We’d like to thank West Suffolk College and all the students who took part in the visit. It was a pleasure to welcome them to our site, and we hope to see some of them back again in the future as part of the industry.