Leicester College Student Experiences Working Life at Winvic

Harminder Singh Babra, who is currently studying Construction and the Built Environment at Leicester College, recently undertook a Leicester City Council organised work placement at Winvic as part of the Constructing Leicester initiative.

Harminder spent the week working at Winvic’s Vaughan Way site, which is a mixed-use commercial and residential development, located on Highcross Street Leicester, opposite the Highcross shopping centre.

“I like being on site and being able to see the design and construction process at first hand. The work placement has given me the chance to spend time on a live construction site and find out more about the careers available.”

The scheme being constructed by Winvic for local developer Sowden Group and real estate asset manager Long Harbour, includes a number of commercial units and landlords areas to the ground floor, mezzanine plant and car parking areas and 298 privately owned apartments on the upper floors.

The building incorporates an 11-storey block to the Vaughan Way street front, stepping down to seven and five storeys on the rear elevations to Highcross and All Saints Church.

Harminder, who hopes to study architecture at university next year, spent his placement learning different aspects of construction roles by spending time shadowing the Engineers, Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors.

“I like being on site and being able to see the design and construction process at first hand. The work placement has given me the chance to spend time on a live construction site and find out more about the careers available. I have a better understanding of how the industry works. I would urge anyone to make the most of the work experience opportunity.” said Harminder

Project Manager Sandra Rieger explained: “Leicester City Council has been working with Winvic on the Constructing Leicester initiative, which is supporting local residents to increase experience and skills in the construction sector. Work placements, curriculum support activities, apprenticeships and employment opportunities are all part of the menu which is based on an approach endorsed by the Construction Industry Training Board.”

Jasdeep Atwal, Work Placement Progression Coordinator at Leicester College, said: “As well as giving individuals a taster of how life would be as an apprentice, work placements give them the opportunity to show their enthusiasm to potential employers and is a great addition to their CVs.”

Dave Evans, Project Manager at Winvic, concluded: “There’s no better way to get a feel for the industry than to spend time with people who know it the best. Placements allow individuals to experience the industry first hand, helping them to decide whether it is right for them.”

Find out more about the Vaughan Way scheme here.