Western Branch Student Update

With the academic year commencing, the Western Branch now finds itself in a healthy place with regard to student sponsorship. We now have the following students / courses in full swing:

• Erin Davies of Dudden Associates Ltd – Attended the week-long 50th Newcastle ‘Flexible pavements’ course.
• Keira-Leigh Underhill of John Wainwright & Co Ltd – Started the 1-year ‘Diploma in Asphalt & Pavement studies’.
• Genevieve Farmer of Connor Construction SW Ltd – Started the 3-year ‘FDSC in Asphalt & Pavement technology’.
• Joe Robinson of John Wainwright & Co Ltd – Continues in Year two of his 3-year ‘FDSC in Asphalt & Pavement technology’.

Reports from each student as follows:
 
Erin Davies:
I was kindly sponsored by the IAT to attend the 50th Asphalt and Materials Course in September 2024. I work as a sustainability practitioner for a small practice that supports heavy industry and construction to achieve a balanced approach to meet ever changing demands and goals. Before attending this course my technical and practical knowledge surrounding asphalt was limited to the production process.

The course has provided me with invaluable knowledge in:

• Different asphalt mixes, their uses, constraints and life cycles
• Emerging technologies supporting the change to a more sustainable production and use

The content has given me the knowledge and confidence to challenge and support our clients in the drive for a sustainable future.

What I found especially useful about the course is that it effectively communicates information through a range of learning styles. The course is complimented by the amazing people you meet and the great outside the classroom events in and around Newcastle. I’ll never look at a bump in the road the same again!
 
Genevieve Farmer:
Recently, I completed the Diploma in Asphalt and Pavement Studies (DAPS) with the University of Derby. The outcome of my studies has enabled me to deepen my understanding of various processes and considerations within the industry as a Quality Manager. It has also boosted my confidence and helped me to prepare for a transition into integrated systems management.

The course content has been extremely interesting. Classroom sessions in Derby are hugely beneficial too, where course leaders deliver engaging presentations, as well as include students in a range of important and thought-provoking industry discussions.

Given this experience, I was thrilled to be awarded sponsorship to continue my studies at Derby from the Institute of Asphalt Technology, alongside my employer, Connor Construction (South West) Ltd. I am now studying towards the Foundation Degree in Asphalt and Pavement Technology. So, I would like to say a huge thank you to Matt Bishop, as well as the rest of the IAT and my employer, for their sponsorship and commitment to support my learning. Opportunities like this make a huge difference to peoples lives, so I am extremely grateful.
 
Joe Robinson:
I am currently on year 2 of the foundation degree in asphalt and pavement technology, it is a stimulating and eye-opening experience after a fair few years out of the academic arena to then come back at 30 with 3 children and a full-time job. I have passed the first year and have just been set my first few assignments for year 2. Its hard work but gives a greater understanding to my role and the industry we are in. it’s a great course and I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to progress my knowledge through the sponsorship of the IAT.
 
Keira-Leigh Underhill:
Only just started but very excited to be part of the educational system and progressing her knowledge in a subject she is very interested in.