Bradford College

Back to School for Construction Students

Three Bradford College students have given up their summer holidays to help restore a primary school back to its former glory, after it emerged the school was in need of repair.

Using the skills they have developed on the National Diploma in Brickwork Course, the fulltime students have been working voluntarily at Lower Fields Primary School to help construct three new classrooms, a library and a canteen for the children’s return after the summer break.

Nigel Smith Curriculum Team Leader for Brickwork and Plastering explained:

“The lads have been working with the local authority, ‘Strategic Team Group’ and CITB to help build new facilities.  We received a phone call from Strategic Team Group asking if we had any students who were happy to volunteer their services over the summer holidays – and the lads volunteered!”

Students Areeb Ali, Mohammed Khan and Zeeshan Tohir were delighted to offer their services free of charge, happy in the knowledge that their time and effort would benefit the children at Lower Fields Primary School.

Elaborating further, student Areeb Ali said: “I’m really pleased; it’s lovely to be doing something positive for the community.”

Mohammed Khan added: “I’m glad we can use the skills we’ve developed on the course to help others and it’s an added bonus that we’re enhancing our career prospects.”

Nigel Smith Curriculum Team Leader explained: “Not only have the students given up their summer holidays to get involved in the project, they also done this during the sacred month of Ramadan.”

Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, which means participating Muslims must refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours to teach patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

Nigel Smith reflected: “The boys start at 7:30 in the morning and finish at 4:30.  It’s a long day without any food to give them energy. It’s hard manual work lifting heavy blocks, but at least they’re seeing what it’s really like to work on a constructions site – and getting that insight.”

Nigel Smith added: “The feedback we’ve had from everyone on site has been extremely positive about the lads…Chris Broadbent who works on site has said they’re brilliant lads, hardworking and great to work with.”  The students are high achievers at Bradford College and are well know for their commitment to their studies.

 Construction student, Zeeshan Tohir remarked: “We’re really enjoying the experience and have learnt so much from our colleagues on site and the tutors at Bradford College, who have made it possible for us to secure this placement.”  Lecturers David Worsnop and Michael Kenney were also instrumental in ensuring the students secured the voluntary placement at Strategic Team Group.  

Nigel Smith Curriculum Team Leader concluded: “I think the lads will have a very promising career ahead of them, given their level of commitment and dedication to the project.