Work has begun at Sanctuary’s Wheal Harmony site in Redruth and the development is already bringing new opportunities to the local community in addition to the 65 new homes being built.

Working in partnership with its contractor Kier Living, Sanctuary is looking to offer a range of training and employment opportunities on site during the construction period, and has already welcomed a group of students to enhance their classroom based learning.

Eight first year students on the BTEC construction technology course at Redruth School were involved in the site visit, where, dressed in safety boots, high visibility jackets and hard hats, they were given a full health and safety induction, a briefing on the scheme and a detailed tour of the site. The 14 and 15-year-olds will get the chance to make further visits to the site over the next 12 months or so, giving them an opportunity to see the entire construction process, from ground level to final completion and landscaping. These visits form part of Sanctuary’s commitment to training under the National Skills Academy for Construction programme.

Neil Clements, Sanctuary’s development manager for Cornwall, said: “Sanctuary always strives to include opportunities for training and employment as an integral part of its development programmes and we are delighted to be working with Kier Living to offer on-site experience for Redruth School construction students.”

John Titcombe, director from Kier Living, added: “We are pleased to be able to offer local students the opportunity to visit a live construction site as part of their studies. The site teams are able to offer a real insight into the delivery of a scheme of this nature. They can also inspire the students by sharing their own career path experiences.”

Eugene Clemence, from Redruth School, said: “Learning outside the classroom contributes significantly to raising standards of education for vocationally based subjects. The students studying construction technology at Redruth School have gained a valuable insight into the working processes of an active construction site; this in turn enhances and re-enforces their classroom based learning. "Redruth School is committed to working with businesses and other local organised projects to further improve and develop a range of community links, and to boost the students’ enthusiasm and enjoyment.”

The £7.25m Wheal Harmony development, part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, is due for completion in early 2015.