Construction firm partners with community trust to transform learning space for local students

A newly refurbished classroom designed to support secondary school students facing challenges in mainstream education has been unveiled through a partnership between Alpha Construction Ltd and Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT).

The project transformed a key teaching space used by BACT’s Secondary Alternative Education programme, creating dedicated learning environment for students aged 11–16 who require additional support outside mainstream education.

The collaboration was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Burton Albion Football Club First Team Player, Sulyman Krubally, and representatives from both organisations, celebrating the completion of a project focused on improving opportunities for local young people.

With over 40 years of experience in civil engineering and complex building projects, Alpha Construction brought its professional expertise into the heart of the community.

The team applied the same high standards of safety and quality used in their large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects to deliver a durable, welcoming space for the students.

Tony Bamford, managing director at Alpha Construction, said: "We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality work and solving problems before they arise.

“Being part of a project that directly benefits young people in our community has been incredibly rewarding. We wanted to create a space that is safe, reliable, and built to support learning for years to come."

The project gave students the opportunity to play an active role in the classroom’s transformation. Working alongside the Alpha team, students contributed to measuring the space, selecting colours and furnishings, and choosing artwork to reflect their identity as a group.

As part of the process, students were introduced to real-world project considerations, including budgeting and decision-making.

This hands-on involvement helped them develop communication skills, build confidence, and gain a sense of ownership over their environment.

Katie Johnson, head of community at Burton Albion Community Trust, said: “At Burton Albion Community Trust, we are committed to providing inclusive, supportive environments where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

“This partnership with Alpha Construction has enabled us to create a high-quality learning space that not only enhances the experience for our students but also empowers them to take pride in their surroundings.

“The hands-on involvement of the young people throughout the project has been incredibly valuable, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and feel a genuine sense of ownership over their education and we are very grateful for their support with this project.”

The completed classroom now provides a dedicated space for small-group learning, designed to help students build positive relationships, improve self-esteem, and engage more effectively with education.