A new institution called the ‘Bond Bryan Academy’ has been inaugurated at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus in collaboration with Sheffield-based architects, Bond Bryan.
The academy will feature Bond Bryan’s highly skilled professionals as guest lecturers, imparting crucial industry knowledge and perspectives to Bradford College students. Additionally, Bond Bryan will conduct workshops, site visits, and mentorship programs for students enrolled in various courses within the College’s Construction and Engineering Department, providing them with a hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a successful architectural firm.
As part of this partnership, a specially designed Bond Bryan base room has been created at the heart of the Trinity Green Campus. In addition to serving as a purpose-built classroom for supporting T Level students, architects will use the facility to oversee new estate projects on site.
Bond Bryan possesses extensive knowledge of the education sector and understands the curriculum requirements at Bradford College. The team has previously collaborated on several successful projects, including the design and construction of both the College’s David Hockney Building and Advanced Technology Centre.
During the launch event, Bond Bryan CEO Matt Hutton expressed, “Our ethos is ‘more than design’, which, for us, is about doing something with our clients and communities beyond just the scope of the projects we’re working on. This partnership with Bradford College is a perfect example of how to reach students and create pathways for them into vocational courses, hopefully within this brilliant industry. It’s all about trying to show them that there are opportunities out there beyond what they’ve even considered. We have success stories in the office of people that we’ve worked with before at colleges who are now doing really good things for us. We genuinely want to give something back and as an organisation; I want to ensure we are doing things which will make a difference, rather than just box ticking.”
During the launch event, Matt Hutton visited Bradford College to deliver an insightful talk to staff and students about his journey into architecture and how students will benefit from the partnership moving forward.
Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Department for Construction & Engineering, said: “We’re thrilled with the exciting new partnership with Bond Bryan. This collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and insight into the architecture and construction industries.
“Bradford College students will develop the practical skills and network needed to excel in their future careers. We are confident this relationship, with such a respected industry leader, will greatly enrich our T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction. Our students are eager to learn from Bond Bryan’s experts and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this effort. We are also proud to deepen our commitment to preparing work-ready graduates through partnerships with respected companies like Bond Bryan.”
Asa Gordon, Curriculum Vice Principal, added: “Partnerships with employers like Bond Bryan are fundamental to the College delivering our mission of working together to transform lives. Giving our students the opportunity to meet with Matt and understand the career opportunities available to them following studying with the College, is essential for meeting future skills needs.
“Bradford College students will benefit from the expertise of a number of industry experts, as well as gaining access to work experience through this partnership, supporting them in their journey as the future workforce needed in the Construction industry.”
Bradford College offers a wide range of courses in Construction and Engineering, catering to school leavers as well as advanced professionals. To learn more about the T Level in Design, Surveying, & Planning for Construction (enhanced by the Bond Bryan partnership), you can attend the next Bradford College open day on 11th November, from 10am to 3pm.
