Painting students repair the farm with a voluntary change

A group of Leeds College of Construction students have been honing their skills after volunteering to redecorate the facilities at Herd Farm Residential and Activity Centre.

Painting and decorating and multi-skills students from the college spent several weeks on site preparing the walls and woodwork before painting two office rooms, a reception area and the staff kitchen.

The project also provided valuable work experience for students on the College’s Bridge Builder programme, which provides training for students aged 16-24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or high needs.

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John Clancy, Building Trades Curriculum Manager at Leeds College of Building, explained:

“Herd Farm approached Leeds College of Building and asked if students could help refurbish some spaces on site. We already had an existing relationship as our students visit annually and use the outdoor facilities for induction and team-building activities.

“We, in turn, spoke with our partner, Caddick Construction, who had funds to sponsor a community project. They generously agreed to donate 2,000 pounds of materials if we could supply the labor.”

Staff from Leeds College of Building carried out a site visit, ordered materials and assigned students to the project. Student placements rotated as the project progressed and a core team attended daily for the last two weeks to ensure the work was completed on time.

Debbie Watson, Social Value Manager (Yorkshire) at Caddick Construction Ltd, said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with Leeds College of Building, hosting T Level placements and site visits, as well as holding talks with students and supporting careers events. We were delighted to support this valuable community project, while also giving the next generation of construction professionals experience of working to a real brief.”

Donna Russell, Center Manager at Herd Farm Residential & Activity Centre, added:

“We are so pleased with our redecorated office and really appreciate all the hard work that has gone into it. The students loved coming to the Herd Farm and were a pleasure to deal with. They were very proud to see the difference they made in our workspace – a legacy that will last for several years!

“At Herd Farm, our mission is to make a difference in the lives and experiences of others. In this case, the students have rewarded us with that – a massive thank you to everyone involved.”

The project team are now discussing potential future projects, including the development and construction of an archery shelter to enhance the activities offered at Herd Farm in bad weather. This initiative would involve students from masonry and carpentry departments as well as painting and decorating students to complete the project.

John concluded:

“The project gave the students a real opportunity to put their skills into practice, see a project from start to finish and make a big difference to the staff at Herd Farm. All the students understood the value of working on a project like this – to benefit those who work with thousands of young people across the city each year, nurturing the potential of the young people who visit.”

Find out more about painting and decorating courses on the Leeds College of Building website or book your place at the following open event on Saturday 18th May from 10am to 1pm at South Bank Campus in Hunslet: www.lcb.ac.uk/events

This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of Leeds College of Construction

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