A CONSTRUCTION and development company has helped advance the ambitions of a group of students by inviting them to see work at two of its sites.

Whelan Construction invited the Middlesbrough College construction students to see the expansion of Cleveland Retail Park taking shape.

The students have also spent time at another of Whelan’s developments, a £1.9m doctor’s surgery in Stockton.

The move was part of Whelan’s commitment to the national Considerate Contractors Scheme, which asks members to consider their environmental impact and impact on the community.

Construction manager Phil Flett said: “As a company we feel that it is extremely important to be involved with the local community at any of our developments, in order for them to fully understand what we’re doing on their own doorstep.

“Inviting the college along was ideal as it not only served to inform the local community but also to aid with the students’ education.

“It’s very important that students studying construction get a chance to experience what they are taught in the classroom on a practical basis outside of the classroom.

“The students enjoyed their time on-site and I hope that the experience has helped to cement their future careers in the construction industry.”