Shaping Futures at Yeovil College

The Yeovil Big Build campus transformation is a proper once-in-a-generation opportunity for the college - but more importantly for the communities we serve across South Somerset, North and West Dorset. It means young people training at the college will have access to incredible state-of-the-art teaching spaces, and just as importantly, adults in our community will be able to upskill, progress in their careers, retrain, or do something entirely different. Our employer partners, who are an integral part of what we do, will be able to access these facilities to upskill their staff and recruit the very best professionals, helping the region to thrive and prosper.

The project brings a whole range of cutting-edge learning environments - from the new Construction Centre to the Yeovil Institute of Sport - alongside facilities for learners in a wide range of subject areas, all equipped with the latest technology. What makes this even more exciting is that it’s happening around us as a college community, giving learners the chance to see the work as it emerges, engage with BAM, and experience real-world opportunities connected to the build. Having learning facilities here that we as a community can be incredibly proud of is a huge moment, and working alongside BAM is helping make that vision a reality.

The impact that the new Yeovil College is going to have on the community here is huge. In terms of skills, employment, and the opportunities it’s going to provide for the young people of Yeovil and further afield. It will undoubtedly be one of the best colleges in the country, and the best college will attract the best professionals, the best teachers, the best connections with the best businesses, and ultimately provide the best outcomes for the students. The building is all about the students, so it’s important we involve them in the process. Having Alfie involved in the project has enriched his education, and the more students we can do that for, the bigger the difference it’s going to make. There’s bags of social value and opportunity to leverage from this build, and I hope people will look back and see it as an overwhelmingly positive experience.

Being on work experience with BAM has been an amazing experience. I’ve been learning how a construction project comes together and what goes into communicating the progress on site. Seeing the new college facilities taking shape has been astonishing to me. These are not just new buildings, they’re going to be a beacon for the whole community in Yeovil. Accessibility is a topic that’s really important to me, so it’s great to know how the new spaces will be much more friendly for wheelchair users and easier for everyone to move around.

I can see how much thought goes into making the college a place that works for everyone. I never thought I would get to be involved in something like this.  And knowing that this project will give future students the best possible opportunities makes me really proud to have been involved, even just a little. It shows how construction can make a real difference in people’s lives and the community.