A Day in the Life of a Construction Worker

On 28 January 2015 Newcastle-under-Lyme College welcomed groups of pupils from 2 local schools to take part in a series of construction tasters. Year 10 & 11 pupils from Madeley High School and Chesterton Community Sports College (CCSC) enjoyed sessions in Bricklaying, Painting & Decorating, Joinery and Electrical Installation.

In the Electrical session, pupils were given a set of instructions to follow, showing them how to re-wire a plug. Pupils enjoyed the challenge of cutting the wires and re-wiring; something they had never done before. Year 11 CCSC pupil Jay commented; “The Electrical taster was very fun and I am going to apply for this course at college”.

When pupils began the Joinery taster, they were instructed on how to make their very own coat hook which they were able to take home with them. They were shown how to use various different tools which for many was the first time they had used them, for example; a smoothing plane, they then got stuck in with their creation. Tom from Madeley High School said; “I really enjoyed the joinery session, it was one of my favourite parts of the day”.

In Painting & Decorating pupils were encouraged to use different paints to colour plaster cast emblems with various pictures on, including some Dr. Who themed pictures! They were then set a task with a cutting exercise. This tested and improved pupil’s hand-eye co-ordination with a paint brush. All the pupils involved commented that this taster was very interesting and fun, with Madeley pupil; Tom, adding that he enjoyed the taster because he learned how to use the paint brush to create different effects with paint.

To finish the day all the pupils had the chance to experience life as a brick layer. They were shown how to correctly lay bricks to build a straight and stable wall and enjoyed getting a little messy. Benjamin, from Madeley, commented that although it was more hard work than he had expected, the taster was very interesting. Grace, also from Madeley, added ‘I thought the bricklaying was very good and I was able to learn a lot of interesting information in a short period of time”.

Mr. Edwards from Madeley High School enjoyed every session saying; “The day was brilliant, students were engaged and got a lot out of the experience”.

If you would like to arrange a Construction taster for a group of pupils, please contact Tara & Gareth on 01782 254347 or email: schools@nulc.ac.uk.