Students from Falmouth School and Helston College have seen at first hand how modern homes are made, thanks to a special demonstration from leading local housebuilder Taylor Wimpey Exeter.

The developer invited a group of 16 to 19-year-olds studying a BTEC in construction and the built environment at Falmouth and year 12 students working towards a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction at Helston at to its Penn An Dre development in Truro.

Site Manager Mark Tranter showed them around the development, giving them the chance to witness every stage of construction and providing an overview of the techniques used, as well as offering an insight into issues relating to the housebuilding industry such as safe working practices.

Students also saw a house at "first fix" stage – a new home in which the initial plumbing and electrical works are installed – before the internal walls are dry-lined, enabling its framework and structure to be clearly viewed from the inside.

Nigel Philpott, subject leader for construction and head of applied learning at Helston Community College, said: “Visiting Penn An Dre was very enjoyable for the students. Meeting Mark was really helpful too. He explained how he started out as a labourer before working his way up the career ladder which will hopefully inspire the students.

“The whole experience really was fantastic. I can’t speak highly enough of the Taylor Wimpey staff – there is not one of my students who didn’t enjoy the visit, they have learnt so much. We really appreciate them giving up their time to show us around the development. I would love to do more site visits in the future.”

Clare Brimble, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Exeter, said: “We are so pleased to hear the students enjoyed their visit to Penn An Dre, and that they found it helpful for their learning.

“Today’s new-build properties offer many environmental benefits compared with older homes and we hope the visit has given them a thorough understanding of the design process and the work that goes into making our homes so energy efficient.”