East Riding College, part of the TEC Partnership, has become the first college in the UK to partner with Fieldwire by Hilti, giving construction students access to the same digital project management software used on construction sites across the country.
The pioneering partnership, supported by construction company Hobson & Porter and Hilti, is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry by equipping students with the digital skills increasingly expected by employers.
Following a successful pilot with one student, Hilti has provided East Riding College with a number of complimentary Fieldwire licences, allowing students to use the platform throughout their studies. Since the start of the academic year, students have transitioned from traditional paper-based documentation to the digital platform, where they access blueprint schematics, complete coursework tasks, upload evidence of their work, and receive tutor feedback in real time.
The move has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and staff, with students adapting quickly to the technology while gaining valuable experience using software found on live construction projects across the UK.
Ann Hardy, CEO of TEC Partnership, said:
"At East Riding College, we are committed to ensuring our students leave us with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in industry. By becoming the first college in the UK to partner with Fieldwire by Hilti, we're giving our students access to the same digital tools they will encounter in the workplace, helping them develop the practical skills employers are looking for.
"This partnership is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when education and industry work together. We'd like to thank both Hilti and Hobson & Porter for their support in helping us prepare the next generation of construction professionals."
Dave Blades, SHEQ Director at Hobson & Porter, said:
"Putting this next-generation construction software into the hands of construction's next generation is already making a powerful difference.
"It's incredibly rewarding to contribute to this growing local partnership between education and industry, helping shape the future of the industry today."
Steve Ruston, Sales Manager at Hilti, added:
"Through our Education Partnership Programme, we're proud to provide East Riding College with Fieldwire licences that give students real exposure to the digital tools used on modern construction projects.
"Being from East Yorkshire myself, it's brilliant to be able to put world-leading construction software into the hands of local students, giving them access to the same digital capabilities used on major projects around the world.
"This partnership gives students a head start, supports educators, and strengthens the future of the construction industry. East Riding College is investing in tomorrow's talent, and we're proud to be part of that momentum."
By integrating industry-standard digital technology into everyday teaching, East Riding College is ensuring students leave college with hands-on experience that reflects the realities of today's construction sector, strengthening their employability and preparing them for successful careers in the industry.
