Construction students support homelessness charity

Carpentry and joinery students from Solihull College & University Centre utilised their skills to support a charity for the homeless.

After building an impressive garden planter, students Joel O 'Neill, 20 and Jack Ward, 19 discussed with additional support tutor, Lynsey Broome, how to best use it.

They decided to set up an auction, engaging staff in a closed bid, with the money from the highest bidder to go to the homelessness charity 'Outreach Angels '.

Carpentry and joinery lecturer, Arron Ward, said: “The aim here was to utilize offcuts of timber and see that there is value in waste timber by upcycling.

“I specifically set the task of building a planter as these two students had done very well by completing all their assignments and I wanted to set an additional task that would highlight their knowledge and skills in using power tools. ”

The auction created a lot of engagement amongst staff and the highest bidder was multi-skills lecturer, Tony Wheeler.

Lynsey said: “With the money that Tony has bid, students will be given a shopping list by the charity, and they will themselves buy those items for the homeless. ”

Joel said: “I have really developed my skills and become more confident. I am also now working part time as a technician at the College. ”

Arron added: “Jack was a supported learner when he first started here and has progressed a lot, he no longer requires extra support and I 'm impressed with how well he has done.

“I 'm extremely proud of both the students. ”

Pictured (l to r): Arron Ward, Jack Ward, Lynsey Broome, Joel O 'Neill and Tony Wheeler