The construction of a mast “taller then The Shard” could give Sandwich pupils the chance of work experience and apprenticeships.

Vigilant Global UK, which has proposed the communications tower at the site of the former Richborough Power Station, is working in partnership with Sandwich Technology School.

It would mean work experience, apprenticeships and funding benefits for the school.

Andy Fisher, business manager at Sandwich Technology School, said: “Vigilant’s offer to partner with the school is a great opportunity for us. As well as providing much needed improvements to our own telephone systems and IT, the support they have offered will bring direct educational and vocational benefits to pupils on both our construction and media courses.”

Sandwich Tech already runs vocational qualifications in construction, and the mast would give pupils the opportunity to be actively involved in its construction and design.

A spokesman for Vigilant said: “As part of our commitment to delivering community benefits in Sandwich, Vigilant Global UK have entered into a partnership agreement with Sandwich Technology School.

“The partnership is specifically linked to the development of the mast and will support the education and development of pupils at the school. During the build of the mast, Vigilant will work with the school during our construction activities to ensure that pupils receive the chance to experience several opportunities of hands-on involvement, providing practical experiences as part of their course curriculum evidence.”

The 320-metre mast would also mean better internet and telephone communications for the school as Vigilant has teamed up with VFast and agreed to provide funding to improve communication at the school. Vigilant will also assist with the creation of a new in-house radio studio for media studies, drama, music and design and technology pupils.

The agreement to partner with VFast and let the company install broadband equipment on the mast would also mean an increase in coverage in Dover and Thanet, rural areas such as Sandwich and Ash, and subsidised broadband for schools, colleges, community services, church halls and libraries.