Enhancing Student Opportunities: BAM Nuttall LTD Partners with Oakwood Specialist College

In a collaborative and exciting new development, Oakwood Specialist College , part of Phoenix Learning and Care, has joined forces with BAM UK & Ireland to enhance its learners' educational and vocational experiences significantly. This partnership, which began in November 2022, has already led to transformative projects on the Oakwood Specialist College Dawlish campus, a testament to the power of collaboration.

Scott Legge 1st , Health & Safety Advisor for BAM Nuttall, initiated the partnership with a vision to make a positive impact on the local community. Through a thorough assessment of Oakwood’s facilities, priority areas were identified where BAM's expertise could be most beneficial. One of the standout results of this partnership is the creation of the Oakwood Café Pod, a project that benefits not only the college but also the local community.

Originally used to inform the public about sea wall construction works, BAM Nuttall generously donated the Pod to Oakwood, which was then transformed into a vibrant café space on campus. This initiative perfectly aligns with Oakwood's mission to prepare learners for adulthood and employment by offering simulated work experience opportunities in a realistic setting.

During the February 2024 half-term, BAM’s team undertook extensive groundwork to bring the Café Pod to life. The team levelled the ground, laid concrete foundations, installed the café pod and a new bench, laid slabs, and removed old fencing, significantly enhancing the outdoor area.

The Oakwood Café Pod serves dual purposes: it offers learners hands-on work experience while providing a variety of drinks and snacks for both Team Members and learners, contributing to Team Member’s well-being. The Café's opening week was a definite success, with 30 learners participating in serving their peers and Team Members and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Dan Miliffe RCL , Head of Futures, a key figure at Oakwood, shared his vision:

"Our goal is to equip learners with the skills and confidence needed for external work experiences. The Oakwood Café Pod is a perfect example of how simulated work environments can prepare our learners for real-world employment."

Oakwood’s individualised study programs ensure that each student's aspirations are met. The skills developed through the café project are comprehensive, covering various curriculum areas and fostering speech and language development, occupational therapy, self-advocacy, and confidence. Careers education at Oakwood is a central theme, seamlessly integrating classroom knowledge with practical applications.

This partnership between BAM Nuttall and Oakwood Specialist College is ongoing, with future projects already in discussion. Both parties are committed to collaboratively designing and implementing initiatives that support the development and success of the learners at Oakwood.

Phoenix Learning and Care CEO, Jon Pain , commented:

"We are thrilled to see the positive impact that the partnership with BAM Nuttall is having on our learners at Oakwood Specialist College. The creation of the Oakwood Café Pod exemplifies our commitment to providing real-world experiences that prepare our learners for future employment. This collaboration highlights the importance of community involvement in education, and we look forward to seeing even more innovative projects come to life."

Scott Legge 1st , Health & Safety Advisor for BAM Nuttall, added:

"Working with Oakwood Specialist College has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. We are proud to contribute to a project that enhances the college environment and provides meaningful opportunities for learners to develop essential skills. The positive feedback we've received from learners and Team Members reinforces our commitment to this ongoing partnership, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to support the young people at Oakwood."

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About Oakwood Specialist College and Phoenix Learning and Care:

Oakwood Specialist College is part of the Phoenix Learning Trust, which operates over 40 settings across the South & South West of England and South Wales. Phoenix provides residential care for children and adults, special education from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4, and further education through specialist colleges. Phoenix's mission is to meet individuals' social and educational needs, enabling them to flourish and become valued members of society by always putting those they support at the centre of their practice.

About BAM Nuttall LTD:

BAM Nuttall LTD is a leading civil engineering contractor committed to delivering exceptional infrastructure projects and contributing positively to the communities in which it operates.