Plumbing and carpentry students from Moulton College’s Higham Ferrers campus have been putting their skills to the test with Wilsonart® Bushboard in Wellingborough.
The work experience opportunity with Bushboard, the leading UK manufacturer of engineered kitchen and bathroom surfaces and part of the global Wilsonart® Group, saw students invited to the Wellingborough offices to refurbish and enhance staff welfare areas.
With work undertaken in line with the site’s safety requirements using risk assessments and method statement techniques, the experience provided students the chance to hone skills developed during their course and work as part of a multi-trades team in a real-world setting.
The students impressed the Bushboard team with their dedication and craftsmanship, improving a range of facilities used daily by Bushboard’s employees.
Carl Eardley, Maintenance Manager – UK, Wilsonart® Engineered Surfaces, says of the partnership: “Working with Moulton College has been an extremely positive experience for Wilsonart. The students demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn throughout the refurbishment project.
The quality of their workmanship exceeded our expectations, and it was rewarding to provide them with a real manufacturing environment where they could apply the skills developed during their studies.
Carl added “This partnership has delivered tangible improvements to our facilities while giving students valuable industry experience that will support their future careers. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Moulton College and supporting the development of the next generation of skilled tradespeople."
The work experience opportunity is part of an ongoing employer engagement programme between Bushboard and Moulton College to give students hands-on experience in employer settings and help build the foundation of future skilled trade careers.
Helen Beeby, of Moulton College, adds: “We are delighted to be able to work with Bushboard. The programme has delivered significant benefits for our students, who have been able to gain valuable workplace experience and evidence towards their qualifications, and make their mark with an important local employer.”
Work experience forms a key part of Moulton College’s further education curriculum, giving students across construction, animal care, agriculture and other courses the opportunity to develop essential and practical skills to industry standards. With a minimum of 150 hours of work experience expected a year depending on the course type, it also enhances students’ employability, gives opportunities to build relationships with local employers, and hones the skills and attitudes required to succeed in future careers.
