Osborne School students gain valuable behind the scenes insight into M3 upgrade works

Students from a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Winchester recently visited the M3 construction site to benefit from a valuable behind the scenes look at some of the many support services required for the works.

Class LSi from Osborne School were guests of Balfour Beatty, the lead construction contractor on the M3 junction 9 to 14 works, which is part of a national programme of motorway upgrades being delivered by SMP Alliance for National Highways. Balfour Beatty are one of the seven members who make up SMP Alliance.

Nine students from Year 9 gained first hand insight of some of the support services required for the improvement works on this busy stretch of motorway. This included the opportunity to watch different vehicle recovery demonstrations, enjoy having a ride in a recovery lorry and even having a go at using the controls to recover a broken-down car!

Among the highlights of the visit was visiting the CCTV control room to look at all of the cameras along the M3, with some of the pupils using the controls to select specific live camera feeds and zoom in on the traffic.

While at the compound based in Compton, between Winchester and Otterbourne, the students also had fun putting out cones on one of the highway maintenance trucks.

James Wharton, Head of KS4 at Osborne School, said: “All of our students had a great day, and it gave them a chance to visit and experience a real working environment. More importantly it gave the students the opportunity to focus on this area of work and all that it entails.

“Our learners are very practically based and having the opportunity to use some of the building equipment, cranes, display the road cones was invaluable. A highlight for them had to be visiting the control centre where students were intently watching everything that was happening live on the M3 using the CCTV. A beneficial and insightful day was had by all.”

Samantha Carter, Social Impact Advisor at Balfour Beatty, said: “The children were an absolute joy! It is important to us to showcase a world of work where there is opportunity for all.  We were delighted to be able to provide such an exciting experience for Osborne school students.”

Beth Linklater, EM3 Careers Hub Enterprise Coordinator, covering Winchester and East Hampshire, said, Osborne School and Balfour Beatty is a good example of where the EM3 Careers Hub has helped foster a relationship between a local school and employer.

She said: “We are so pleased that all of our schools like Osborne School are engaging with employers, and we have a great relationship with Balfour Beatty, who also provide fantastic virtual and hybrid placements across our region.”