Inspiring The Next Generation: Marley & Nottingham Trent University

Marley has teamed up with the school of architecture, design and the built environment at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to support and encourage the next generation of undergraduate architectural technologists.

The support has included hosting a series of student visits to Marley’s manufacturing site, as well as funding competition prizes for the end of year Design Show held by the department.

Vince Conway, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology at NTU, has long established links within the industry and wanted to form a collaborative relationship with Marley as a leading supplier to the construction industry.

He says: “Whilst classroom work is the basis by which our students learn and absorb information, exposing them to the reality of the design and product production process gives them a much broader understanding to inform the work they will be involved with in their careers.  

“Marley kindly agreed to host a visit so our budding architectural technologists could witness production first hand as well as speak with Marley’s industry experts. The students were very keen on this unique opportunity and got a lot of value from the experience.” 

The collaboration initiative with Marley helps forms part of the department’s teaching ambition. This is to ensure architectural technologists develop a thorough understanding of commonly specified building materials such as those used to create roof tiles and how they are used. As Vince says, “while many students will be reliant upon the internet to source information, seeing how materials and products are developed from a manufacturing perspective is invaluable for students to create an all-round and more in-depth appreciation as they undertake their degree learnings.” 

Teaching institutions such as NTU view the role of manufacturers as a vital part of delivering education relevance and excellence.  The opportunity to witness the physical manufacture of the products they will work with in the future and seeing how in Marley’s case they are installed to create robust, aesthetically pleasing and high performing roofing solutions, expands student knowledge and strengthens belief in what is possible. 

Future working 

Marley has committed to hold future NTU student visits in the next academic year, as well as foster a closer relationship to further support student learnings in the architectural technology field.  

Cadell Beasley, Area Specification Manager – Roofing & Solar PV for Marley, comments: “It was great to see the positive reaction from NTU’s students who came to visit our site. They were inquisitive and appreciated the chance to see roof tile manufacturing up close for the first time.  With the whole construction industry warning of skills shortages, it is important that everyone contributes to inspiring and encouraging the next generation who will be needed to deliver the low carbon, energy efficient construction solutions required for net zero.” 

Acknowledging talent 

Marley took its support one step further by providing the prizes for the department’s end of year design show. Two outstanding students impressed the judging panel with their response to the brief to design a family house with construction detailing set by Vince Conway and his team.

The overall winner was Maddison Townrow, with the runner-up place awarded to Vanja Petrovic. Both demonstrated excellent attention to detail, including outlining exceptional design visions for the roofscape following the partnership with Marley. 

Cadell Beasley concludes: “This is the start of a closer and more collaborative relationship with the department at NTU. The students are eager to learn more about roofing, its products and its design possibilities, and Marley is happy to ensure this happens with in-depth insight on this essential component of the design and construction process.”

For more information, visit Marley’s website.

Source : Marley

Image : Marley

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