Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure housing, has joined forces with housing provider Abri to fund the BTEC Introductory Award in Construction course at Highdown School in Reading, helping local students to begin rewarding careers in the construction industry.
Highdown School is situated in Emmer Green, near to Vistry and Abri’s Emmer Green Drive development on the former Reading Golf Club site, where they are delivering 156 new homes for private sale and 67 affordable homes, available for local people through low-cost rent and shared ownership, alongside play areas and green open spaces.
By sponsoring Highdown School’s BTEC Introductory Award in Construction, Vistry and Abri are enabling the school to run the course for Year 11 students. This builds on the success of Vistry’s sponsorship of the course last year, when five students achieved the full BTEC Introductory Award and one completed the Introductory Unit. This sponsorship enabled students to gain practical skills and a nationally recognised qualification in construction, providing a solid foundation for future careers and giving the students confidence in their own abilities.
Trevor Wicks, Managing Director at Vistry Thames Valley, said: “Following the success of last year’s construction course, we are proud to continue supporting the talented students at Highdown School. And with Abri joining our support of the course this year we can make an even greater impact, helping young people gain practical skills and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals. This initiative reflects not only our role in delivering new homes at Emmer Green Drive, but also our commitment to supporting the local community and creating opportunities for young people.”
Sally Ingham, Development Director at Abri, commented: “We’re proud to support Highdown School’s construction course alongside Vistry. At Abri, we believe in creating opportunities that go beyond housing, helping young people build skills, confidence, and pathways into rewarding careers. This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in communities and supporting the next generation of talent to help deliver the new homes people need.”