[A] group of Furness College apprentices have laid the foundations for careers in construction after taking part in an after-school club scheme.
Six students have successfully secured apprenticeships with local firms after learning the tricks of the trade at an after-school club in Brickwork and Plastering at Furness College’s Channelside campus, while others have progressed to full-time courses at the college.
Matthew Christie, 17, chose a bricklaying apprenticeship with Leck Construction after studying at Furness Academy.
He said: “I like working with my hands, so construction was a go-to career for me. The after-school club at Furness College gave me some initial knowledge and an insight into the industry.
“I plan to gain my Level 3 qualification and start my own business in the future using the skills and experience I’ve developed.”
Luke Dacre, 17, is now an apprentice at Mulberry Homes after taking part in an after-school club while studying at St Bernard’s.
He said: “When I was at school, I preferred being in the workshop to the classroom, so coming to the after-school club at Furness College helped me to set my mind to what I wanted to do.
“It helped me to learn what I could do with a career in bricklaying and where I could go in the future.
“My family supported me to pursue a career in construction and encouraged me to try the after-school club, and loved it.
“It’s a great way to try something new and it’s been really beneficial to me in helping me to secure an apprenticeship.”
Furness College runs a series of after-school clubs at its Channelside and Rating Lane campuses.
The clubs are open to Year 10 and Year 11 students so they can get a taste of vocational courses or prepare for A Levels and experience college life as they make decisions about their future.
After-school clubs in subjects such as Construction, Education, Health and Beauty, Motor Vehicle, Law and Science have places available in 2018.
A four-week club in Construction begins on Wednesday 21st February 2018.
For more information or to book a place, go to: http://www.furness.ac.uk/furness-life/facilities/schoolliaison/after-school-club