A group of our carpentry and joinery students got a fascinating insight into how the skills they are developing at college are put into practice on a building site. They visited the site of the new Glass Yard development on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield recently where they learnt about the different stages of construction. They also discovered how important quality carpentry and joinery skills, as well as good work ethics, are on building projects.
The team from Mascot Management, led by director Jason Evans, gave students a tour of the site demonstrating the building process. They spent time looking at the range of trades needed on the site at different stages of the build. They also found out more about the end use of the building, which will become a mix of office and retail space, and an artisan food hall.
The importance of skilled tradespeople
The students found out more about the build process from completion of ground works to installation of electrics and the building of stud walls. Jason was keen to show students the story of the process and highlight how the quality of each trade had an impact on the overall project.
Jason said; “It was great to have the students on the site today. It is really important for us to work with local colleges and the community to encourage the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Showing students a development at this stage helps them to see how each trade plays a small part in a big wheel but how the quality of their work, their conscientiousness, the way they do their job and how proud they are of what they do, reflects in the bigger picture and the quality of the finished development.”
Real life experience makes lessons come alive
Alex Simner, Level 1 carpentry and joinery student at Chesterfield College who plans to start an apprenticeship to study the next level of his trade said;
“I’ve really enjoyed coming to site. It has been really interesting to see how everything we have been learning about happens on a real building site. I am a practical person and I learn best by seeing and doing something. We have seen how joiners, electricians and other trades people have to work as a team and how things like health and safety work on site too.”
Professional experience counts
Terry Brickles, Curriculum Operations Manager for Construction at Chesterfield College, thanked Mascot Management for hosting the visit and explained the importance of working with employers to prepare students for the world of work. He said:
“Meeting professional people who can pass on their knowledge and experience is vital for our students. It gives them a fantastic insight into the industry they want to work in and helps them to put what they learn in the classroom into context. They also get guidance about how to find work and be in the best position to build a career in the industry.”