Covering the topic of SHE with Carpentry students

Carpentry students visit Stamford Gardens
When the lecturer at Stamford College approached our partnerships team in South East Midlands to give a talk on SHE, they were quick to take up the opportunity to raise awareness around the subject.

A group of ten Level 2 and 3 carpentry students visited the site at Stamford Gardens, in Stamford to take advantage of the opportunity to engage with potential employers. 

The students huddled in the site cabin where they enjoyed a quick-fire interactive presentation from SHE advisor Adam Matthews, covering the basics of the safety, health and environmental issues he manages. 

He outlined mitigation strategies relating to carpentry and went through the processes needed to keep a working area safe for everyone. 

The team, including the two college staff, talked about how they got into construction, and the various pathways available – making a point of grabbing any opportunity! 

Adam also talked about his experiences of being a member of the Armed Forces and his motivation for keeping processes safe on site. 

Earlier in the year the region took on nine students for work experience, working alongside our subcontractors and how one young person impressed the carpenters so much that they employed them full time. 

There was plenty of time for Q&A, and the students took in a different view from the top of the steps across the live building site.

Carpentry lecturer Ian Sargent said: “Thank you for setting up the trip for the students. They all enjoyed the experience, and we are looking forward to more opportunities like this”. 

Social value coordinator, Anneka Jones, said: “We’re really pleased to be developing the links we have with Stamford College and the IEG group. Providing students with real-life experiences through education is key to the full package of opportunity they deserve as young people starting their journey into working life.”

The meeting has set in motion plans for a comprehensive programme of activity for both Stamford College and Peterborough College to be delivered by Countryside in the New Year.