CONSTRUCTION management students have been learning first-hand the importance of testing building materials during a visit to leading testing facility Wintech.

The visit for the level 3 students was organised by Gifford, the structural design team master-minding the £65 million redevelopment currently underway at West Cheshire College’s Ellesmere Port and Chester Campuses.

Tutor Vince Rees said: "Our construction management students are very lucky to have such a major development taking place on the doorstep.

"As part of the Building a Difference vocational programme the various contractors involved in the College’s new build are also ensuring construction students are able to get some first-hand experience of the complexities of managing such a large and complex project."

Wintech, based in Telford, tests various building materials for strength and purpose including windows, roofs, glass and cladding. Tests include ensuring materials used in the construction industry are strong, durable, wind and weather proof.