Weston College lecturers shadowed Worle School pupils as they built a single garage from floor to roof in just four weeks.

Ten students on the School Links Programme learned about plastering, brickwork and carpentry at the College’s Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE).

Brickwork Lecturer, Matt Postins, said: “They came each week and elected a site manager as well as who were going to be labourers and bricklayers.
“The standard of their work is exceptional and our lecturers are really impressed.”

The School Links Programme was set by Weston College to support secondary school students who aim to follow a vocational profession.

The two-year programme sees them attend Weston College half-a-day a week and studying for a BTEC Level 1 qualification.

Matt added: “School Links is a great success. Out of 10 students on the programme, all have enrolled at the College. Eight for the Level 1 Brickwork and the other two have signed up for Sports courses.”

One pupil who helped build the garage, Dan Styles, 16, also took part in the Locking Road-based centre’s regional Bricklayers Guild competition at the end of May.
Dan, of Brangwyn Square, Worle, said: “This course has really helped me decide on my future. I helped build the garage as site manager and labourer and it’s given me knowledge and confidence.”

In 2010, the CECE won a ‘National Training Award’ for the South West of England.

It delivers training in a wide range of construction occupations which includes electrical installation, carpentry, trowel trades, painting and decorating, plastering, property maintenance, as well as a range of renewable energy courses and apprenticeships. In September it will also offer plumbing.

There are specialist workshops for training electricians, bespoke brickwork and carpentry workshops, as well as a resource-based learning centre and computers to deliver online learning.

The CECE is also a test centre for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and health and safety card.
There is a 100 per cent success rate for Level 2 qualifications with around 70 per cent of CECE students finding work in industry while others develop their DIY skills.

For more details on courses at Weston College use the course search on the homepage of this website or call 01934 411 411.