Stonemasonry student Morwenna Harrington had the chance to work on a £19 million building project while studying at Bath College this year.
Morwenna, who has just finished a Level 2 stonemasonry course, spent time working at Saw Close in Bath, the location for a new casino, hotel and restaurant complex.
Her work experience was organised by employability adviser Jason Noch, who is part of the Bath College Futures team.
Morwenna worked alongside stonemasons from Farmington Natural Stone, who were using ashlar sandstone to clad the new buildings.
She said: “Having completed this work experience, I definitely feel more confident.
“I was working on the hotel that will be part of the new complex. I’ve seen a lot of new buildings going up around Bath and it’s good to be able to think I’ve helped to work on this one
“I’ve worked in retail since I was 16. I decided I wanted to do something new, but I didn’t know what I was looking for.
“I was looking through college prospectuses and the stonemasonry courses stood out. I’m really glad I chose to pursue it as a trade.
“Being a female stonemason isn’t something you think about as a career choice, but there are quite a few women on the course here at college.”
Morwenna impressed on her work experience, and has found a company to sponsor her as an apprentice so she can continue to study for a Level 3 qualification at Bath College in September.
For more information about apprenticeships at Bath College visit: https://www.bathcollege.ac.uk/study-with-us/apprenticeships/information-for-apprentices
Bath College
Bath College is proud to support this year’s Next Generation Somerset campaign as a key provider of education and training in Bath & North East Somerset.
With over 5,000 full-time and part-time students, our goal is to make sure students are equipped for the workplace and able to achieve their full potential.
In September, we’re excited to open the Somer Construction Skills Centre, with space for 500 students, at our Somer Valley Campus in Radstock.
The new Somer Construction Centre will:
• Focus on full-time programmes for 14 to 16-year-olds and 16 to 18-year-olds, apprenticeships and higher education courses.
• Help learners to gain the practical and theoretical skills they need to secure and sustain employment in the construction industry.
• Support local economic development, by creating a talent pool for employers to find their future workforce.
We’re creating a centre of excellence for the West of England, making sure there are enough skilled people for future building projects in the region.
As the largest provider of apprenticeships in Bath, we offer a wide-range of opportunities for young people to earn and learn on the job.
Over the last year, the college’s apprenticeship team has increased its provision, working with over 60 companies to offer apprenticeship programmes in nine new business areas.
New workshops at the Somer Construction Centre will cater for students and apprentices studying bricklaying, construction, carpentry and stonemasonry, as well as plumbing, electrical installation and refrigeration.
The purpose-built facility is an exciting new step for Bath College, and means that all construction trades will be taught under one roof.
Construction students will be joining young people studying motor vehicle maintenance, animal care and foundation learning, all popular courses at the college’s Somer Valley Campus.
Daisy Walsh, Head of Technology at Bath College, said: “We’re pleased to support this year’s Next Generation Somerset campaign because the campaign is all about attracting, retaining and inspiring talented people in this county.
“The construction industry is facing a skills shortage, and college have an important part to play in helping to provide the next generation of workers.
“Construction is a huge area, it not just about hard hats, building sites and labourers. The construction industry covers all aspects of building, and we pride ourselves on having the best industrial expertise and knowledge in this provision.
“We have close links with local businesses, and our students have a great employability record. If you’re interested in the construction industry, and want to be part of our new cohort for 2017, get in touch.”
Visit: www.bathcollege.ac.uk/college-information/construction-skills-centre