Following the exciting announcement of Nottingham College’s partnership with construction powerhouse DeWALT, the collaboration has now moved from paper to practice with the launch of the first student session at the Basford campus.
“It’s fantastic to be back at Nottingham College, the engagement from the staff and students has been excellent. It’s exciting to be getting involved with students who are passionate about quality equipment.” said Charlotte Collins, Trade Partnerships Manager UK at DeWALT.
This marks a significant milestone in the partnership, as over 100 students enrolled in carpentry, joinery, and plumbing courses begin their journey with the DeWALT Academy. The academy is designed to provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools, preparing them for the realities of working in the trades. In Charlotte’s words, the day marked a significant milestone:
“Today is the first session we have held with the students here at Nottingham College. This marks their enrolment into the DeWALT academy, giving us the opportunity to meet the students we will be working with throughout the academic year. Next steps will be an introduction to the tools and industry standard training.”
The session was far from ordinary. Students took part in engaging activities that showcased DeWALT’s innovative tools and storage solutions. From product demonstrations to a T-STAK stacking challenge and even a round of Leaf Blower Golf, the day was designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.
This immersive approach reflects the broader goals of the Grow The Trades initiative, which aims to address the UK’s looming skills gap in construction by equipping students with the tools, training, and confidence they need to succeed.
As the academic year unfolds, students will continue to benefit from expert-led workshops, technical demonstrations, and access to cutting-edge equipment, all part of a future-ready education model that Nottingham College is proud to champion.
If you’re an employer and want to find out how you can get involved or a prospective student that has a spark for construction: