A construction site in Kingskerswell opened its doors to students from South Devon College on Monday (January 21) giving them first-hand experience of the planning and building process.

The students visited Ashburton-based medical device manufacturer BOWA Medical’s new site at Oak Tree Business Park, just off the A380 in Kingskerswell. The new site, which is due to be completed in September, will make the firm’s LOTUS ultrasonic surgical instrument that is used to cut soft tissue and minimise blood loss. It will also become the firm’s UK operational and training hub.

Staff from the construction firm building the site, Devon Contractors, showed 21 South Devon College students around the site and explained the planning and building process. For many students, the visit was the first time they had seen an active construction site.

South Devon Carpentry tutor, Jack, was confident the students would learn a lot from the visit. ‘It’s been a really good insight into how real sites work for the learners…signing in the staffroom offices and having a tour around the building just to understand and so they can get used to (it),’ he commented.

BOWA Medical hoped the visit and the hands-on experience would inspire the students. ‘As a local employer, it’s important for us to give back to the community,’ said BOWA Medical HR manager Carly Livesey. ‘We’ve had great success in hiring engineering apprentices through South Devon College, so we’re pleased to support the next generation of students who are developing their skills in construction,’ she added.

‘It’s vital to support and inspire the next generation of construction professionals,’ agreed Devon Contractors managing director Nigel Whelan. ‘We are passionate about creating opportunities for students to experience real world projects and gain valuable insights into our industry,’ he added.