McAvoy gives Bradford College students live hospital construction experience

By Danny BallPublished On: September 28th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Four Bradford College students have gained hands-on experience of a live £65m hospital redevelopment after completing a two-week placement at Lynfield Mount Hospital.

The students, who are enrolled on the Adult Construction Skills course, worked alongside McAvoy on the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust project, which is undergoing a phased investment to improve facilities for patients and staff.

Students gain experience on £65m hospital project

During the placement, the students shadowed different roles involved in the construction of a new ward block and refurbishment of the existing hospital building.

They also gained an insight into site operations and project management from the team overseeing the redevelopment.

McAvoy is the specialist offsite manufacturer leading on the redevelopment.

Duan Kapp, Project Manager at McAvoy, said: “Supporting local communities is a key part of our commitment to creating social value on every project we deliver.

We were delighted to welcome the students and give them the opportunity to experience a live site environment and learn more about our offsite manufacturing and integrated project delivery process.

“Projects like this rely on a strong pipeline of skilled people entering the industry, so it is vital that we continue to support and inspire the next generation of talent.”

Construction students explore site roles

The one-year Adult Construction Skills course introduces students to construction and potential career opportunities across the industry.

The Construction Academy Course supports adults aged 19-24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), with training covering areas including bricklaying, joinery, decorating and electrical work.

Students also develop contextualised maths, employability and soft skills, including problem-solving, alongside live work experience placements.

Louise Rigg, Project Director of the Lynfield Mount Hospital Redevelopment Programme, said: “As well as making a difference to people who use the Trust’s services and staff members, we want the redevelopment to have a positive and lasting impact on the hospital’s local communities.

“We are pleased that the programme is able to give people the chance to learn new skills and help them think about their future careers.”

One student said: “I found the site to be not only informative and professional but enjoyable too.

“Everyone was friendly and I gained an insight into how different trades worked, as well as the managerial side of the site and how it functions. The experience was unforgettable.”

Live project placement provides construction insight

The placement gave students an opportunity to see the different trades and roles involved in delivering the hospital redevelopment, as well as how construction projects are managed from the site office.

John Wells, Project Manager at the Construction Academy, said: “Work experience is an invaluable part of the programme as it gives learners the opportunity to see the trades they have been studying put into practice. It also allows them to see the wide variety of roles that can be involved in a construction project.

“What made this opportunity particularly incredible was the approach taken by the team working on the Lynfield Mount Hospital redevelopment to provide students with an all-round experience. In addition to spending time on site, they were also given an insight into the site office side of things which usually doesn’t happen on a standard work experience placement.”