More than 20 learners, aged 16 to 19, saw behind-the-scenes progress on what will be Colten Care's 20th home when it opens later this year. The 4,000 sq meter Linden House will incorporate exceptional design standards and facilities to help individuals maintain their independence when living with dementia.
Brian Evans, Curriculum Manager Technology at Newbury College, said "the learners are following a nationally recognised Level 1 domestic plumbing course and hoping to progress into apprenticeships and full-time jobs. Plumbers are not necessarily first on site during a construction project so it has been helpful for the learners to get a feel for the way all the different trades and sub-contractors work together. We're grateful to Colten Care for hosting the visit by these new recruits to the building industry."
The visit gave many of the students their first taste of a 'live' building site, with advice from project teams on health and safety, tool boxes and equipment and the links between plumbing and other building trades.
George Colwell, Joint Managing Director of Colten Developments, said: "This is our biggest building project to date involving more than 150 bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and other trades. On any one day more than 50 people can be on site. We were more than happy to welcome the students and show them first-hand what site management is all about."
Construction work on Linden House began in April 2012 following the demolition of what had been a former local authority home in New Street. Site work has progressed under the shadow of a 100ft crane visible from many approaches to Lymington town centre. The new Colten Care building will be 'L' shaped and have three storeys.
Due to open in autumn 2013, the home is expected to employ more than 80 people at full capacity. Residents will be housed in small house groups with a focus on retaining practical life skills and independence for as long as possible through shared daily activities, memory stimulation, 'person-centred' care and leading-edge nursing. Linden House will be Colten Care's fourth dedicated dementia care home following Fernhill in Ferndown, The Aldbury in Poole and St Catherines View in Winchester.