College students spruce up the community
Level 3 Painting and Decorating learners from Preston’s College have been brushing up on real work experience whilst supporting local community schools.
A team of four students have undertaken projects at Larches House School in Ashton, Acorns Primary School in Preston and at The Brothers of Charity in Whittle-le-Woods.
At Larches House School the learners painted a large corridor, spruced up some common areas and maintained the doors. It was also a return to school for former pupil Callum Taylor who practiced his new skills on his old school.
Acorns Primary School delivers special education for children with a wide range of learning difficulties and one of the classrooms was impractical due to the bright colour of the walls.
The team was able to repair plasterwork and repaint the walls in a soothing, neutral palette to ensure the classrooms are now usable. The classroom cupboards were tired and required a new lease of life and a level 2 student joiner replaced all of the doors to help maintain this classroom resource.
Gail Beaton, headteacher at Acorns Primary School, said: “The learners from Preston’s College have done a fantastic job. Previously our classrooms were painted in bright colours and we had worn out sink units and cupboards. Pupils on the autistic spectrum need a calm and uncluttered learning environment, neutral tones and areas on the wall to display symbolic timetables and routines.
“This team of fabulously hardworking students have done a fantastic job of repainting the room, cleaning up after themselves and being utterly professional. I cannot say how grateful we are for the work and what a wonderful way to use Preston’s College talent to help their local community.”
Phil Parle, Curriculum leader for the 14 to 19 year old provision at Preston’s College, said: “Our mission is to help our learners develop the skills needed to progress in to employment. We work closely with local organisations to provide ways for learners to put their skills into practice. In this case, we are also supporting the wider community by providing a service they would otherwise struggle to afford.
“Our learners have embraced the opportunities to experience a real life work environment and it is testament to their hard work and professionalism that they have received excellent feedback from all three projects. So much so, they have been asked to return to all locations after being offered other areas to continue with their personal development.”
Learn more about the College’s School Leaver Construction courses.
