Students gain first-hand experience of live housing development site

We recently welcomed future leaders of the construction industry to our multi-million-pound development, allowing them to gain essential first-hand experience at an active building site.
Through our strong collaboration with Burton and South Derbyshire College, we invited students from the College’s Stephen Burke Construction Academy to visit our £21.3 million Tyldesley Court project.
The 22 students gained valuable insight into the workings of a live construction site as progress continues on the creation of 72 apartments for the over-55s and 10 family homes.
Designed to balance privacy with a sense of community, the scheme aims to provide residents with a safe and secure living environment.
With completion scheduled for this year, construction is well underway to bring modern, sustainable housing options to the Burton community, catering to a variety of household needs and lifestyles.
The visit provided students with a first-hand look at site operations, bridging the gap between education and industry.
Samantha Yates, Trent & Dove’s Independent Living New Services Manager, said:
“We were delighted to welcome construction students from Burton and South Derbyshire College to our brand-new Tyldesley Court development.
“Our innovative partnership with Burton and South Derbyshire College and Morro Partnerships underpins our commitment to creating a sustainable future, not just for our residents, but for industry professionals of the future.
“The students listened intently and were a credit to the college.”
During the visit, our colleagues and partners at Morro, the developers of the site, shared insights into its history. The location was previously home to a brewery before being redeveloped into the Bargates shopping centre, which was later demolished and left vacant until we secured funding from Homes England, in partnership with Orbit, to revitalise the area.
While touring the site, students explored the different stages of development, reviewed site drawings and plans, and gained a deeper understanding of construction methods and emerging technologies shaping the industry.
They also discovered various career pathways within construction and the progression routes available to them.
Ian Vanes-Jones, Carpentry Course Leader at Burton and South Derbyshire College, said:
“The site visit to Trent & Dove’s Tyldesley Court development was a valuable experience for both students and staff.
“It allowed learners to step onto a live site, gain a real feel for the working environment, and make important industry connections that could lead to future work placements.
“For me as a tutor, it was also beneficial to see the latest developments in construction and stay up to date with new legislation shaping the industry.”
Abdul Mozzamdar, Head of Social Purpose at Morro Partnerships, said:
“At Morro, we are committed to building not just high-quality homes, but also strong, sustainable communities. Our partnership with Trent & Dove is a testament to that vision, ensuring that developments like Tyldesley Court provide modern, accessible housing while also creating opportunities for future construction professionals.
“By welcoming students onto the site, we’re helping to bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring the next generation and strengthening the skills pipeline for the sector.”
Further information on Tyldesley Court is available by visiting: https://www.trentanddove.org/tyldesleycourt