Joinery college students use their skills in the community
Carpentry and Joinery students at Ayrshire College have been involved in a number of community projects this summer, helping schools and the local fire station.
Whatriggs Primary School in Kilmarnock approached the Pre-Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery Level 5 class to assist with creating ‘buddy benches’ – which now proudly sit in an area of the playground where pupils to go to if they need a friend.
College students also helped out Park School by building a shed for them to store equipment and make bicycle repairs, after receiving funding for a cycle maintenance service. The double glazed windows and patio doors were kindly provided by Scotia Double Glazing in Kilmarnock.
Carol-Anne Burns, the Head Teacher at Park Schooll, said: ”I’d like to express my extreme gratitude to Ayrshire College joinery department. This is the fourth project we have worked on with them and their speed, workmanship and commitment is outstanding.
“The cycle maintenance shed will ensure pupils can learn the skills for life and work and give them the opportunity for accreditation in cycle maintenance qualifications. This would not have been possible without the support of lecturer Craig Barrie, his wonderful students and the wider college community.”
Kilmarnock Fire Station asked the College if they could build a decking area to accommodate beehives in the community garden, situated behind the station. JW Grants in Kilmarnock, who are always supportive of the college department, provided the materials for this project, free of charge.
The students also completed some internal college projects which will benefit future students. Purpose built painter storage tables were manufactured for the new Skills Hub in Kilwinning, to very high standard.
While Joinery lecturer Andrew Davidson made planters with his supported learning group for the memorial walk at the Kilmarnock Campus. These will allow students to plant, grow and harvest flowers and vegetables, and help them to gain life skills.
Alexander Lorimer, one of the students involved in these projects, has now gained a joinery apprenticeship with East Ayrshire Council.
Carpentry and Joinery lecturer at Ayrshire College, Craig Barrie, said: “We are delighted with our students progress this year and hopefully skills that they have gained will help them forge a career within the construction industry.”
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