Rory Sutton, aged 18, joined VSBW a month ago having completed his first year at MidKent College, Maidstone, where he is undertaking a Construction and the Built Environment course.  During the summer holidays Rory worked full time on the £250m development, building up knowledge and experience before he returned to his coursework earlier this month, which will take up one day a week for the duration of his apprenticeship.

Rory said: “It is really interesting and exciting working on this project. It was an initial culture shock going from studying to working for a large business on such a prestigious project, but I feel like I am thriving and making a difference.”

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, said: “Apprenticeships are a great route into work for young people and mean proper training and invaluable experience, as well as a wage. The future is exciting at the Port of Dover, as we are investing in expanding our business operations and improving the chances for young people is part of our commitment to the community.”

Rory is ‘learning on the job’ with current tasks involving the collation of vital piling data, which is being used for management reporting. In addition, Rory is getting a good understanding of all aspects of the project. Rory’s role with VSBW is due to continue for the next 18 months, after which he is guaranteed a role at the Port of Dover for the remainder of his 3-year apprenticeship.

Stuart Eckersley, Project Director for VSBW, said: “It is encouraging to see these new apprentices get involved and add value to the project as a whole, as well as learning new skills and gaining experience for their future and the future of our industry.  It is a true legacy for the project.”

Chris Hare, Executive Director of Employer Relations at MidKent College said: “It’s a testament to schemes such as the Apprenticeship programme to see how Rory and his colleagues will be contributing to such a prestigious and exciting project. We look forward to supporting Port of Dover and VSBW, and celebrating the huge benefits that employing apprentices can bring to their business.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR 

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work. 

For the first time since 2015, on 10 August, the renowned 238m long, 12-deck luxury cruise ship Crystal Symphony will call at Dover bringing approximately 1,000 discerning passengers to the town.

Three further calls in August will follow and, with additional calls already booked for 2018, 2019 and 2020, the celebrated cruise ship will be a valued, regular sight in Dover in the future.

Sonia Limbrick, Port of Dover Head of Business Development (Cruise) said: “I am delighted to once again be hosting calls from the prestigious Crystal Cruises at Dover Cruise Port. Here her passengers can not only experience state-of-the-art facilities, but also enjoy the iconic white cliffs, historic location and benefit from easy proximity to London and beyond.

“I would like to thank Crystal Cruises for selecting Dover Cruise Port as a port of choice for the foreseeable future and extend a warm, advance welcome to all of her passengers calling at Dover.”

Edie Rodriguez, CEO & President of Crystal Cruises said: “We are thrilled that our beautiful ships will be once again calling into the Port of Dover, which we’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with over the years. With impressive facilities, great links to London and numerous attractions on its doorstep, the Port of Dover is always popular with our discerning guests and we look forward to a successful ongoing partnership.”

The event which is designed to promote interest in the civil engineering sector, saw just over 50 boys and girls, aged between 12 and 16 years, come together to pit their skills against one another to build a paper structure to a pre-determined height and area that can support a specified weight.

Ron Eckersley, CSR manager for VSBW opened the event with Martin George [both STEM ambassadors]. They outlined the task for the day and Ron shared some of his knowledge and experiences in terms of becoming a civil engineer and the need for developing problem solving skills.  The group split into teams to work through a ‘challenge’ to design, cost and build a model for an Olympic venue for the future games using STIXX and cable ties.  The STIXX are made of tightly rolled paper straws, rolled via a STIXX machine, which provided strength and height to the structures.

During the challenge, team members also took on specific project roles, as would be in any ‘real’ project – such as project manager, safety manager, planner, etc. and had to work through the plans and costings of the structures, as well as some of the challenges faced with any project.

Once completed, the structures along with the costings were presented to a panel, which was made up of Ron, computing teacher Jonathan Locker and STEM colleague Martin George; where the teams had to answer questions about their design and build specifications. The panel evaluated the structure and responses to the questions, in order to collate an overall mark and a winner.

CSR manager, Ron Eckersley for VSBW, said: “This was a fun and interactive event which everyone enjoyed, but had a serious angle in terms of project management, cost control, construction and delivery – all of which are essential life skills within civil engineering. It is great to be part of guiding and developing young people, as well as ensuring the future of our industry.”

Jonathan Locker, computing teacher at The Folkestone Academy, added: “The event was good fun with the students really getting involved in all aspects of the challenge from the planning, to construction and presenting at the end. The winning team were happy with their effort and overall design.  It was great to see the teamwork between students and see them taking advice from Martin and Ron on how best to construct their stadiums.”

Dave Herrod, DWDR programme director, said: “Youth engagement is an essential and important part of the contractor’s delivery for the project. Working alongside partners such as STEM is key to encouraging and educating current students about the extensive career opportunities on offer within the construction industry.”

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

Pupils from three local schools have won second place in a UK-wide design competition for their Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) construction site masterpiece which features the harbour, cliffs, castle, lifeboat, ferries and hot air balloons.

They were among 70 entrants in the Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition, an initiative created by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, and their artwork is now on display at the Marine Parade entrance to the DWDR works.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, said: “The Dover Banksy’s good, but I think our Dover schools’ artwork is priceless. Dover is firmly on the map with waterfront regeneration, town centre regeneration and now youth community involvement. To achieve such success in a competition that had entrants from all around the country is something that Dover’s children should be proud of.”

In total, 77 youngsters from Green Park, Lydden and White Cliffs primary schools worked on the project, which was organised by the Port of Dover, DWDR contractors VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster (VSBW), and community art charity Dover smART.

Dawn Maddison, from Dover smART, said: “Yet again we have been blown away by the amazingly creative way local youngsters’ imagination has showcased what Dover is all about.”

The budding artists each received a certificate and medal for their achievements, and special canvass prints of their work were presented to the head teachers of each participating school.

Ron Eckersley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for VSBW, added: “Our work with Ivor Goodsite and the Considerate Constructors Scheme forms a very important part of our lasting legacy in Dover. Children of this age are very receptive and keen to learn, which makes the visits a real pleasure.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

3. Images

The pupils and Head teacher at Lydden Primary School who helped achieve a runners-up prize in the recent Considerate Constructors competition.

The Port of Dover and VSBW, a joint-venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, teamed up with Dover smART to take part in the Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition – a Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) initiative, to enable children of all ages to unleash their artistic skills on construction site hoardings which become large canvases for their imaginative creations.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover said: “Their designs look brilliant! The Port of Dover is committed to working with the local community and we were delighted to give local youngsters this fantastic opportunity to express their creativity at the entrance to the DWDR construction site.”

Dover smART collaborated and supported around 70 young children from Green Park, Lydden and White Cliffs primary schools throughout all stages design. 

Dawn Maddison, from Dover smART, said: “There was great participation from everyone and amazing imagination was shown in producing the Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition.  Working with such a productive and creative team was a rewarding experience.”

Ivor Goodsite is used by companies participating in the Considerate Constructors Scheme to educate children about construction site safety.  As part of this educational scheme, a national competition is held annually, where all participants receive prizes including trophies, medals and certificates.

Ron Eckersley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for VSBW, said: “It is great that Dover’s regeneration is stimulating so many local people.  Ivor Goodsite is a very positive figure promoting the UK construction industry to a young audience, and this is a great opportunity for our team to work together with our surrounding community, and actively involve the young people who may be affected by our works.”

All proceeds from the award entries will be donated to the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT). CAPT is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people who are killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

3. Images

a)    Ivor Goodsite mural located on the DWDR construction hoardings along Dover’s seafront promenade

b)    VSBW Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Ron Eckersley and Port of Dover’s Corporate Social Responsibility Officer meet children from with STEM in Sandwich

c)    Youngsters and the Ivor Goodsite mural

Dover smART Project, a local charity working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people through community art projects, will be selling the ‘beach hut’ bird houses on their website to raise money for local young carers who care for family members. All money raised will go into the young carers Christmas fund.

Dawn Maddison, from Dover smART, said: “Dover smART Project are thrilled to be able to work with VSBW and the Port of Dover as recycling waste materials for the benefit of Dover’s community is a genius idea.

“These limited edition ‘beach hut’ bird houses are all individually painted and numbered, with the first 20 already sold – money raised will be used for our young carers Christmas events.”

As a further contribution to nature and wildlife conservation, VSBW also built two bat roosts, which will be donated to the Kent Bat Group for inclusion in local woodland areas which will provide a further safe habitat for the bats.

Ron Eckersley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for VSBW, said: “We chose to build the ‘beach hut’ bird houses as it ties in with our project development at Dover, and using reclaimed wood material is a great way to raise money for the children and get them involved.

“The bird houses took a few hours of our time to make, which we hope contributes to the children enjoying a better Christmas from the funds raised as recognition for their hard work.”

Alyson Hudson, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Port of Dover, said: “It is great to see how a project such as Dover Western Docks Revival will not only support local regeneration once completed, but is already supporting work with local charities, local young people and local wildlife by making every part of the project, including the construction phase, count.”

The ‘beach hut’ bird houses are £10 each and can be purchased via the website  https://doversmartproject.co.uk/2017/06/02/charity-beach-huts-for-birds/ and with only 50 having been produced, stocks are limited!

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c.£250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

Established in 2014, and independently managed by the Kent Community Foundation, the Fund benefits the local community by supporting projects that provide opportunities for people to develop employment skills as well as those offering activities that enrich and improve the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities.

The total amount of financial support provided by the Port Community Fund to date is £256,000, with 36 grant awards made to 30 local organisations.

Port of Dover Community Directors Sam Gurney and Neil Wiggins have been busy meeting with and presenting grant cheques to the winning projects this year.

Porchlight, one of the foremost charities supporting vulnerable and homeless people throughout Kent, was awarded funding for their work helping isolated people to get support for mental health, housing, education and employment.

Beverley Callaghan, Porchlight Trusts & Statutory Officer said: “Your award will enable us to provide regular fun, easily accessible sport and recreational activities for 60 young people in their neighbourhoods. The activities are not just an enjoyable end in themselves – they will help the young people’s development in areas such as healthy living, social skills, communication, team work, confidence and emotional and mental wellbeing, supporting their progress through school and beyond.”

St. Mary’s Arts Trust ‘The Big Reveal’ programme also received a grant for sponsorship of major events in Kent this year such as the Primary Schools’ Singing Festival where over 400 pupils took part, the Rosemary Dunn Memorial Concert, a Play Day and the Mayor’s Concert.

David Burridge, Education Director – The Big Reveal said: “The award has allowed us to plan and deliver high quality musical events for the people of Dover. Our first concert celebrated the life of one of Dover’s great champions of the Arts, Dr Rosemary Dunn. One hundred and eighty performers young and old and a capacity audience enjoyed the event. The second was a singing festival for over 400 schoolchildren. The people of Dover deserve to be able engage like this with the arts and this grant enables them to do so.”

Another grant was presented to Books Beyond Words, an award-winning series published by Beyond Words to help people with developmental learning disabilities to understand their feelings following trauma. Their products and services aim to empower people through pictures. The books all tell a story, but they also let the reader tell their own story – the one they see in the pictures. This helps to find out a person’s inner world and their understanding of situations.

Liz Mincer, Books Beyond Words Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser said: “Port of Dover’s funding to Books Beyond Words will make a lasting and continuing difference to the lives of local young people with learning disabilities. Students with special needs in their final school year will be supported to make successful transitions from school to adult life in the community. Two Dover schools are starting book club discussion groups using our word-free storybooks; these groups will move to their local library in preparation for the young people leaving school, providing a way to sustain friendships and understand life’s issues. This will establish a pattern of support in Dover’s schools and community, with new transition book clubs being started every year. We are looking to link with other initiatives to ensure this is sustainable, going forward.”

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott said: “The independent panel and Kent Community Foundation do a fantastic job of evaluating and awarding grants from the Port Community Fund ensuring its continued success. I am delighted that we can support the remarkable work undertaken by these deserving charities and projects and am passionate about continuing to assist those who seek to improve the future of our town and community.”

Notes to Editors:

Kent Community Fund is part of a national network of 46 Community Foundations committed to improving the lives of local people and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged.

Porchlight is one of the foremost charities supporting vulnerable and homeless people in Kent. They offer support with mental health, housing, education and employment providing young people and adults with the advice, guidance and skills to live independently in the future, to play an active role in their local community and to fulfil their potential.

St. Mary’s Arts Trust’s ‘The Big Reveal’ is a consortium of like-minded venues and festivals who recognise the need for and value of high quality, compellingly-delivered outreach for children, adults and the wider community. Taking world-class art and artists to hard-to-reach areas and communities they celebrate music, art and people, placing culture at the core of education, community and life.

Beyond Words is a provider of books, services and training for people who find pictures easier to understand than words. Whether supporting somebody with a learning disability or communication difficulty, their products and services empower through pictures.