School pupils go up in the world

Saddleworth School’s KS4 classes went up in the world in an introduction to the construction industry along with a tour of works by Tilbury Douglas on the historic clock tower building next to their new school at Diggle.

Pupils from the Year 10 and 11 classes were divided into two groups, with one half having a discussion on the variety of roles in the construction industry, led by Michael and Chloe from Tilbury Douglas. 

Michael gave the students an overview of Tilbury Douglas, following the company from its start in the 1800s to the present day.

He outlined the history of the school site and the clock tower building, covering its previous uses, from a woollen mill, manufacturer of parts for Russian Tanks during WW1, ammunition (one of the largest in the country) and then a pallet works.

The numerous and varied roles offered in the construction industries were covered, along with what the future holds for the profession.

The other groups pupils donned appropriate safely equipment, and were shown around the dilapidated building by Craig, the site manager from Tilbury Douglas. 

He explained the reason for the works and the importance of the buildings historic status that places additional challenges. 

And he highlighted the requirement to repair the building as much as possible, rather than simply replace.

This often increased costs, but does reduce the impact on new materials, and landfill of the waste.

Costings were mentioned, for example to repair the window frames cost in the region of £2,000 each, with a total bill for the whole project reaching just under £1.5 million.

The students were surprised to learn this was only to preserve the building, making it structurally sound, with the roof, gutters, floors and windows repaired. 

To make the building suitable to be used such as offices, another £5 million will be needed, but until Oldham Council find an appropriate use for it, this part will be left for the time being.

The students spoke about the size and state of the building and how big the project was, with many taking the opportunity to ask questions.

After the tour, the two groups swapped over so everyone had the same information.

The school thanked Chloe, Michael and Craig for taking time out of their busy schedules to be with them and praised pupils for their good behaviour.

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