Five local secondary schools piloted a 2 year programme called “Future Builder” in September 2005. Year 10 students attended Prospects college 2 days a week and the remaining 3 days was spent at their school to continue studying towards their other GCSE Options. Future Builder Students got the chance to train at
Prospects college in Carpentry and Bricklaying and were working towards achieving a BTEC Construction Certificate in their first year and a BTEC Construction Diploma In their second year. Students that achieved the Diploma were offered an apprenticeship programme with Prospects College.
Cecil Jones School was among the schools that took part in the programme. One of their students Jack Varley now aged 17 was one of the Future Builder Students. Jack was not very keen on most subjects and was not too sure what options to take. He decided on Manufacturing and Music. When he heard about the Future Builders, he jumped at the chance of doing this course as he has always been interest in making things. Jacks passion and dedication at Prospects for construction made the course very enjoyable for him. He stated “being away from school twice a week and doing something that I enjoy made the remaining 3
days at school easier to cope with and I actually concentrated more in my lessons”. Jack managed to complete both years successfully and was offered an Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery by Prospects College.
As part of the apprenticeship, Prospects College helped Jack to find employment with PGM Carpentry Ltd. The company have always taken on apprentices, and when one of their supervisors request an Apprentice, they contact Prospects College, Brad was given a lad but it did not work out, but this did not put him off and he requested another person. He was then given Jack Varley.
He has now finished his apprenticeship and is keen to start a long and successful career in Carpentry. Jack Says “Prospects College is a brilliant idea, by getting the opportunity to learn trade at school made the apprenticeship a lot easier. I was not too sure what I wanted to do with my life and I am so glad I was given this opportunity. I think in some ways it was harder then School lessons, some of the students on the programme thought that they would do this course just to get out of school, but then realised once they were here, there was a lot of work involved, but if you are interested in the trade then it’s not too hard. The tutors at Prospects College have already been in the trade and teach you the skills you need to know for a building site.”
Finally here is what Jack would like to tell other people his own age. “Prospects College gives you an insight into the real world but at a different level, a level that you can cope with and they prepare you for the future. If someone is interested in getting into the trade, I recommend Prospects College, I would not know what I would have done in my life without them”.
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