This week a group of 14 students from the Construction department at South Thames College volunteered to paint a playroom in a community Nursery. The 16-18 year olds visited The Carmena Christian Day Nursery on Thrale Road in Wandsworth, which was in need of a lick of paint.

The project was inspired by the College’s desire to give students work experience with real clients as part of an over-arching aim of helping young people to gain meaningful and fulfilling employment. The tutor, Gerry Langdon said:
“They are learning how to work on site, with other trades in a good environment, gaining essential work experience. It’s great training for them and they’ve risen to the challenge like true professionals”.

Myan Mohammed a 17 year old student taking part in the project has benefited from the task saying:
“We’re learning new skills like teamwork, how to use new tools and how to be on time. It’s really preparing me for when I get a job. I’m feeling more confident in my ability”.

The department hopes to incorporate more working assignments with a dual advantage of helping the students get ahead for work, and benefiting the local community. Lorna Tapper, Manager of the Nursery has even more work lined up saying, “We appreciate the work they’re doing and would love them to come back and help with more projects”. Form a queue ladies and gentlemen; these multi-skilled students are in demand!

May 14, 2010