We are proud to announce a new partnership with Beard Construction, who will be sponsoring our new T Level, Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction.

Strategic sponsorship and curriculum development

This exciting collaboration strengthens the connection between education and industry, ensuring students gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in the modern built environment. Beard’s commitment to social responsibility and future skills development makes them an ideal partner for this pioneering qualification.

The new T Level is a forward-thinking programme combining classroom-based technical learning with substantial industry placements. Students gain hands-on experience in areas including sustainability, digital technologies, design principles, and health and safety - developing both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success.

Managed by Curriculum Manager Ross Noakes, the course reflects real industry needs and provides a strong pathway into higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.

Real-world experience

Through the partnership, Beard will offer students valuable site-based experience across Oxfordshire, including opportunities to contribute to the RAAC remediation project at the College’s Witney Campus.

Career pathways

From sustainability to digital technologies, this T Level prepares learners for an incredible range of progression routes, such as:

• Construction Project Management
• Construction (Site Supervisor)
• Construction Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Architectural Technology
• Building Surveying

We can’t wait to see our students transform into the next generation of construction professionals.

Sustainability and student enrichment

Beard is also involved in a termly enrichment competition for carpentry students, encouraging them to design and build using leftover wood from Beard’s construction sites. This initiative promotes sustainability and green building practices. Winners are awarded prizes directly by Beard Construction.

Two of our second-year Carpentry students, Baileigh and Katie, recently constructed a birdhouse which won an enrichment competition organised by Beard. As the only two girls in the course, they have enjoyed supporting each other and have expressed how welcome they feel in what has previously been a male-dominated industry.

About Beard Construction

Beard is an award-winning, £198-million-turnover construction company operating across the south of England. With offices in Bristol, Swindon, Oxford, Guildford and Southampton, the company undertakes a wide variety of design & build, new-build, restoration and refurbishment projects, from turnkey maintenance services to complex schemes up to £30m.

Established in 1892, the family-owned company has significant expertise in building for the healthcare, arts and culture, commerce and industry, education, religious buildings, elderly care, sports and leisure and defence sectors.

Find out more about the T Level and full-time Construction courses here.

Explore Construction Courses

In addition to full-time study programmes, Abingdon & Witney College also offers a range of part-time construction courses for adults looking to upskill, retrain, or explore a new career path. These flexible courses are ideal for those already working in the industry or seeking a practical route into construction, with options in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical installation.