Midlands contractor undertakes international skills exchange  

Contractor G F Tomlinson has partnered with Austrian training programme The Dual Academy to provide a four-week internship for an international student. 

The company has welcomed Konstantin Pata, who is learning about UK construction methods and how they compare with the construction industry in Austria. 

Alongside his studies, Pata works for Austrian construction company Filzmaier Dach Fassade GMBH, which is sponsoring and supporting his apprenticeship alongside The Dual Academy.   

As well as giving Pata first-hand experience in the UK, the G F Tomlinson team also has the opportunity to learn about Austrian methods of construction.  

Andy Sewards, chairman and managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We were only too pleased to step in and assist Konstantin with his quest for vital construction experience in the UK, following a call from a mutual contact.  

“It is a very unique partnership that both parties can benefit from, and it is fantastic to get to know Konstantin and work closely with The Dual Academy, enabling us to mutually educate our skilled teams in international construction best practices.” 

Sewards added: “We’ve provided apprenticeships and work experience placements for years for our own local young people, and we are due to receive five new starters this September.  

“We are incredibly proud that our remit is now extending across international borders, providing opportunities for overseas students and our own teams to collaborate jointly to improve construction methods in the future.”