Construction school takes in first students
Megan PatersonA construction academy which aims to give vulnerable young people the skills needed to access employment has started training its first students.
Sixty students from the West Cumbria Learning Centre, a pupil referral unit in Whitehaven, have been offered access to lessons in construction skills like bricklaying at the Aspire Academy.
The project is designed to help pupils who find it difficult to learn in a traditional classroom setting build confidence and prepare for college courses or apprenticeships.
One of the first students said the project had given him pride in himself and helped him escape the frustrations of the classroom.
Aspire Academy is a partnership between William King Construction, West Cumbria Learning Centre and Time to Change West Cumbria.
William King's construction firm works on residential and commercial projects as well as contracts at the Sellafield nuclear site.
Growing up in Cleator Moor, he says he can relate to some of the difficulties facing the young men he is now tutoring.
"At their age I had no clear path of where I was going," he said.
"I didn't have any jobs lined up, didn't have an apprenticeship. I ended up in construction so I've first hand experience of how construction can change lives."
Daniel Ghee, head teacher at West Cumbria Learning Centre, said students come to the school experiencing significant challenges to their learning.
While those challenges can vary, most find lessons taught in a traditional classroom setting difficult to sit through.
He said: "That's where the idea of working off site and joining with industry professionals came from.
"The students are learning valuable skills and the academy has clear links to real employment opportunities locally."
The lessons at West Lakes Science Park run alongside careers guidance given in school.
Rachel Holliday, from Time to Change West Cumbria which works to support local communities, is appealing for business owners to consider sponsoring the next cohort of students.
She said employment options for young people in West Cumbria can be limited and Aspire Academy aims to remove as many barriers as possible.
A student, who did not want to be named, said having the opportunity to gain skills which would help in securing an apprenticeship helped ease his worries about finding a job.
He said having a "foot in the door felt good".