A GROUP of Year 11 students from West Somerset College attended an exclusive masterclass in construction from McGoff & Byrne’s contracts manager Harry Galloway at Butlins in Minehead.

The 15-year-olds, all construction students, enjoyed a tour of the site, meet and greet with various tradesmen as well as a preview of the stunning show chalet.

McGoff & Byrne is responsible for the redevelopment scheme at Butlins, which comprises a mix of 117 lakeside chalets situated around two newly-created lakes.

The project provided the perfect setting for a masterclass for the students where they could learn about timber frames, lake construction, structural steel and green energy.

Harry said: “It was a pleasure to host the construction students from West Somerset College.

“A mixture of all trades, the pupils found the tour and meet and greet with the tradesmen most useful.

“This scheme worked really well for the students as there is so much going on, each pupil could concentrate on their own particular discipline.”

The student’s construction teacher Terry Hall called the masterclass “excellent”.

He said: “Site tours and seeing the various trades at work offers an interactive element to the construction course, which is most beneficial to the students as it gives them a greater understanding of the theory they are taught at college.

“We are delighted McGoff & Byrne and Butlin’s were able to incorporate the masterclass into their busy schedule and appreciate all the effort and time they offered the students.”

The first phase of the redevelopment at Butlins is due to finish February 2015.