Next generation of construction workers learn the importance of maths

College students got to see first hand how maths is used in construction during a visit to a housing development in Exning.

A group of 14 students from West Suffolk College, who are studying a range of construction-based subjects, visited the Charles Church at Chancery Park, Newmarket, to build on the knowledge they have already learnt.

Charles Church forms part of the Persimmon Homes Group and Ian Hamilton, managing director for Persimmon Homes Suffolk, welcomed the students to the site, and shared his own experience working on site as an engineer before progressing in his career.

Working with contractors, the team at Persimmon showed the students around the site to show the different stages of construction and how workers draw on the maths skills they learnt at school such as equations, Pythagorean theorem and accurate measurements are vital for ensuring the homes are built to plan.

Contractors Tamdown Engineering and Stakeout Engineering showed the students how they map out a field at the initial stage of development, using a combination of maths and technology to ensure the initial measurements are accurate. 

Andy Lewis Carpentry showed the students the different types of roofs his workers produce and how important it is to understand angles to ensure the perfect pitch.

Bricklaying student, Lola, said she was keen to pursue a career in bricklaying after seeing her family members succeed in their careers within the industry.

Speaking after the visit, Lola said: “Visiting the site was an incredible experience. My teacher, Averil, inspires me to believe that as a female, I have a place in construction, and this visit really proved that it’s possible.

“I’m so thankful to Persimmon Homes for giving me the opportunity to be on-site with such an amazing team that made me feel so welcome. This experience has truly helped me envision a future for myself in the industry, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

Mr Hamilton said: “I was pleased to welcome students from West Suffolk College to our development at Chancery Park, Newmarket, and for them to see first-hand how maths is applied daily and to demonstrate the opportunities available when they finish their course.

“We urgently need more young people to enter the construction industry and to build the homes of the future.

“At Persimmon, we’re passionate about developing future talent and equipping the next generation of construction workers with the practical skills they need to succeed.”

Averil Young, teaching advanced practitioner at West Suffolk College, added:  “Our visit was an outstanding success.

“It was a pleasure to see my students so engaged and curious, connecting their classroom maths to real-world construction tasks.

“The team was wonderful—supportive, knowledgeable, and eager to share their expertise—which truly enriched our students’ experience.

“This hands-on visit reinforced the importance of maths within the construction industry and has helped them to see the relevance of their lessons. Thank you all for making this experience both possible and memorable.”