School pupils learn about construction at Gwel Basset

became the first VIP visitors to spend a day learning about the construction industry at Cornwall’s innovative low carbon housing scheme, Gwel Basset.  

Cornish developer Treveth teamed up with Countryside Partnerships (formerly Vistry Partnerships) to host 15 students from the local Redruth secondary school at its Tolgus site.

Currently under construction, Gwel Basset is a 185 new homes scheme which will offer net zero homes to people with a local Cornish connection through residency, employment, or close family.  

Hard hats and his-vis jackets at the ready, 13 and 14 year-olds Year 9 student were taken on a tour by site managers Paul Thomas and Matt Duckett.

Students had the opportunity to witness construction in progress and learnt about the different build stages of the show home.  

After the tour, students settled inside the on-site skills academy classroom where Countryside Partnerships’ social value managers delivered construction-led activities which required teamwork and encouraged creativity.

The keen youngsters learnt what goes into building the net zero homes of the future and the varied skills which are required to carve a successful career in the construction industry.  

The Skills Academy has been set up by Countryside Partnerships to combat the nationwide skills shortage affecting the housing industry.

Sessions are designed to engage the next generation, encouraging them to explore a career in housing and construction and learn about the skills needed and opportunities that are available.

Catherine Pinney, decarbonisation and environment manager at Treveth, said: “It was a pleasure to join Countryside Partnerships in welcoming Year 9 students from Redruth School to Gwel Basset.

“This was the first group of students to visit the Skills Academy, so we were pleased to receive such positive feedback from the group who really enjoyed the day.  

“At Treveth, we’re taking a lead on bringing sustainable new build homes to Cornwall, striving to achieve challenging carbon neutral emissions targets set for 2030.

“It’s incredibly important for us to show the next generation how vital it is to ensure that the homes of the future are built to allow residents to live a low carbon lifestyle with little effort.”

Peter Sadler, managing director at Countryside Partnerships, added: “This school visit demonstrated partnership working at its finest, supporting the local community.

“At Countryside Partnerships, we believe these visits are essential for both employers and students, nurturing and encouraging industry skills which are in high demand.

“Visiting a real home which is under construction gives students a great insight into the world of construction.

“Opening their eyes to the many and varied roles within the housing and construction industry allows them to learn about opportunities and what career paths are available to them in the future. 

“This is just the first of many school visits we intend to host at Gwel Basset and we look forward to welcoming students from other local schools in the near future.”  

Gwel Basset will offer a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes on land opposite Redruth School.