STUDENTS from a Black Country college experienced a behind-the-scenes look at how a 21st century home is constructed during a special guided tour hosted by leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

The 16 and 17-year-olds, who are all working towards carpentry and joinery diplomas at Dudley College, were invited to Taylor Wimpey’s Woodall Grange development near the town centre to gain a special insight into the industry.

Senior Site Manager Gareth Woodhouse showed the students around the site’s recently opened ‘first-fix’ demonstration home – a partially constructed property which has not yet been completed internally, enabling its framework and structure to be clearly viewed from the inside.

As well as talking the group through the process of building a new home from start to finish, Gareth gave them a rundown of how a typical housing development operates and provided some valuable advice about pursuing careers in construction.

“This visit has been a completely new experience for these lads, and hopefully I’ve been able to talk them through the process and give them a better idea of what to expect in a couple of years’ time when they make that first jump on to the career ladder,” Gareth says.

“It’s vital for Taylor Wimpey that we do everything we can to encourage the next generation to join the trade because we need as many youngsters as we can as we look to the future. It’s been a pleasure to show them around the site and I hope they’ve enjoyed their visit.”

Gary Box, lecturer in wood occupations at Dudley College, says: “I was really keen to bring the students out to Woodall Grange because I think it’s important that they get out of the classroom and experience what a working construction site looks like – and it’s been a real eye-opener for them.

“This is the first time they’ve been out to a building site and they have really enjoyed their experience. It’s also given them a real insight into the industry and will no doubt help them in their future careers.”

Student Scott Baker (16) believes his visit to Woodall Grange will stand him in good stead as he works towards his carpentry and joinery diploma.

“This is the first time I’ve visited a building site and it’s been a really good experience,” he says.

“It’s been good to find out more about what makes up a new home and now I have a much better idea about what to expect if I do go on to work on a building site.”

Fellow student Josh Evans (17) adds: “It’s been really good to visit Woodall Grange and get an idea of the work that goes into building a new home. I think the experience will come in handy as it’s helped me to understand how things work on a building site.”

There’s currently a selection of new homes available to purchase at Woodall Grange, including two-bedroom apartments from just £92,995, and one, two, three and four-bedroom homes from £99,995.

Property-seekers can find out more by visiting the Sales Centre, located off Martin Hill Street, Dudley, DY2 8RT, and open seven days a week from 11am until 5pm, or by calling the Sales Executive on 01384 880867.

Further information on Taylor Wimpey developments across the region is available by calling 01926 516911 or by visiting www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.