SuAS at TG Escapes

A Year to be Proud of – TG Escapes Eco-Buildings and Stratford Upon Avon School

TG Escapes Eco-Buildings partnered with Stratford upon Avon School through Class Of your Own’s Adopt A School scheme to support DEC students through expert feedback, site visits and work experience opportunities. These experiences show students where their hard work can take them – and help them discover their place in Design, Engineering and Construction.

The 2024-5 academic year kicked off with an ‘Outdoor Learning Centre of the Future’ student design competition. The brief was developed collaboratively to incorporate TG Escapes’ values and biophilic design principles whilst also providing an introductory look at the project-based learning they would encounter on the DEC course.

Students were assessed on their technical knowledge, application of biophilic design principles and commitment to achieving net-zero, with feedback provided by architects and consultants from TG Escapes.

“I enjoyed conducting research to design this project and create something unique. The feedback has been incredibly useful, and I plan to incorporate more fire safety considerations into my design. I’ve found the experience really great.”

Katherine, DEC Level 2 Alumni, current DEC Level 3 student

Behind the Scenes with TG Escapes Eco-Buildings

Over the course of the year, TG Escapes opened the doors to offer a behind-the-scenes look at their full turnkey service – how they design, manufacture, and deliver sustainable buildings using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). From guided tours of their warehouse and production lines to hands-on, crit-style workshops with their team, each visit was packed with insight.

TG Escapes have hosted DEC students for work experience and provided CPD for DEC teachers, supporting curriculum delivery to ensure they are educating their students with the most current industry knowledge and standards.

“We explored practical ways to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, sharing insights from our own projects and discussing how we can help students gain hands-on experience, develop critical skills, and see the tangible impact of design and engineering in the built environment.

As a team, we’re passionate about giving the next generation of designers, engineers, and problem-solvers the tools and inspiration they need to thrive. By working closely with schools like Stratford-upon-Avon and supporting initiatives like Design Engineer Construct, we can help create pathways that lead Future Talent to meaningful careers within construction.”

Christopher Leese – Technical Director, TG Escapes Eco Buildings

Breaking Down Barriers to Careers in Construction

TG Escapes have become familiar faces at Stratford Upon Avon School, supporting DEC Level 2 and 3 students with future career possibilities, as well as providing crucial feedback on final presentations in Year 13.

The team has become very well known by the students who find them personable and accessible – essential qualities when trying to break down barriers and gain access to the broad range of careers available in the AEC sector.

The experience and expertise of Marketing Manager Elle Courtonel and Timber Frame Designer Nicola Robson contributed to the school’s Women in Construction – it was great to hear the exciting conversations about their aspirations for the future!

The SuAS Summer Showcase

The year drew to a close with the Summer Showcase, telling the story of the ‘Evolution of a DEC Student’ from Year 7 to 13 as well as providing an opportunity for DEC students, industry professionals and educators to come together to connect, exchange ideas and give honest feedback.

It was also an opportunity to catch up with returning alumni, who joined the industry via apprenticeships with Mace, Kier Group, Ridge and Partners LLP and 4Way Consulting and undergraduate degrees at Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham City University and Coventry University.

“We often speak about the need to close the skills gap, but that only happens when education and industry sit at the same table and create high quality connections and opportunities.

The Adopt A School programme by Class Of Your Own does exactly that. It creates a bridge that gives students direction, confidence, and real world context. And for businesses like TG Escapes Eco-Buildings it offers a glimpse into the future of our sector, and the chance for us to support emerging talent in a way that’s genuine, and collaborative.”

Elle Courtonel – Marketing Manager, TG Escapes Eco-Buildings

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