Construction students are building their skills for the future
Students at The College at Braintree are extending their knowledge of the construction industry and making plans to study for higher education qualifications, as they enter the final year of their Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry.
Robin Harrison, lecturer in Carpentry, says: “The class of 18 students started the level 1 course after leaving school in 2009 and has been together for three years. During their studies they have learned how to make a wide range of pieces including window frames, doors, roofs and staircases. The students have also had the opportunity to learn management skills including team leading.”
Carpentry lecturer Glenn Whitehead says: “Each year the students’ confidence levels have grown as they apply their carpentry, drawing and problem solving skills to designing and building scale models and full size structures in the carpentry workshops. The class is so motivated and eager to learn that we have already extended the curriculum to include more advanced projects offering additional challenges, such as the design and construction of complex hipped and pitched roofs.”
Glenn continues: “Overall they are a very employable group of students, who are on track to become the first class at Braintree to achieve a level 3 qualification in Site Carpentry, when they complete the course in 2012. Their self-motivation is reflected in the students’ interest in higher education. Half the class wants to go on to further studies and five students are already retaking their English and maths GCSEs in preparation for university.”
Student Sten Konninge, who is originally from Estonia, says: “The course has enabled me to understand the whole process of building a house from bottom to top. I appreciate the importance of accuracy when building in foundation trenches, as this will affect the overall quality of a structure. After the diploma I want to go on to study for a degree in construction management, build on what I have already learnt and have a greater choice of job opportunities.”
Student Jack Scotchbrook says: “Working on team projects got me interested in the management side of the industry, such as building site health and safety. I would like to get a qualification in construction management or quantity surveying and am in the process of applying to universities through UCAS. I’ll be studying for at least three more years, but it will be worth it in the long run and could lead to opportunities in the construction industry anywhere in the UK, as well as abroad.”
