Christchurch school pupils gain from work experience at local firm REIDsteel

Two pupils from Twynham School in Christchurch, Dorset, have been given practical work experience at local structural steel firm REIDsteel.

The Year 10 pupils Milo and Tyler spent time in a structured programme at the firm's design and production departments.

The family-owned steel firm, which has exported to 140 countries, was founded in 1919 and designs, manufactures and erects all types of structures, including cladding, glazing, roofing and doors.

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Tyler spent time in the pre-fabrication, sheet metal, glazing and fabrication workshops and also worked in the yard and had a chance to try his hand at welding.

"I know what a variety of jobs options there are within the industry now and I’m pretty sure that it’s something I want to pursue for the future," he said.

Milo, based in design, added: "My favourite part was learning so many things. I was able to take away an understanding of what it’s like to be in a work environment."

Donna Campo, operations director at REIDsteel, said: "We aim to give work experience students a meaningful and practical experience, which provides them with an insight into our company and opportunities within our industry.

"We believe it is important to support our local community and schools, whilst also building relationships to encourage the next generation to think of the diverse and rewarding careers on offer with REIDsteel

"It was a pleasure to host Milo and Tyler, who were a credit to themselves and their school."

REIDsteel has more than a 100-strong workforce and has built up strong links with local schools over many years and regularly attends the annual Careers and Apprenticeship Show at Bournemouth International Centre.

It has a ‘one team’ ethos to emphasise the value it places on every employee and has also backed a new WorkEx Directory launched by Dorset Careers Hub and Dorset Chamber to reinvent work experience.

It currently has a number of career opportunities on offer, including for a quantity surveyor, cladding draughtsperson, steel erector, structural engineer, trainee production operative, yard operative and production administrator.

The company is a Platinum Business Partner of Dorset Chamber.