Joinery Students Secure Work Outside College

Joinery students from East Riding College have been securing commissions before they have even finished their course.

Kim Hornshaw, 23, from Beverley, and Cameron Seward, 18, from Hutton Cranswick, have been asked to carry out domestic jobs as news of their skills has been passed among friends and family.

With the advice and support of tutor Craig Leach, the quality of their work has been so high that they are quoting on even more as word of mouth has spread further afield.

And Kim is finding that being a female joiner is opening doors for her, especially with other females who are often more comfortable discussing the work with her than with male joiners.

Kim said:

“Being a female joiner is a unique selling point so the minute people find out, they are very curious.

“Mostly females have asked me to do jobs perhaps because many feel more comfortable talking to a woman joiner.”

She added:

“I’ve already completed some work and I’m quoting on others at the moment. The basics that we are learning in the course give a foundation to be able to go out and figure out what to do if you’re commissioned for a job.

“For example, I’ve hung a door but never a gate but that transfers across and I always talk to Craig to get his thoughts. It’s great to know he’s here to give support.”

Cameron said:

“I’ve had jobs through from friends of family and friends of friends because a lot of people get to know what you’re doing,

“I’ve hung doors, re-hung doors, completed a deck and quoted for two more. It’s a real confidence boost because I’ve worked hard over the past two years and I’m going out and getting the work.”

Tutor Craig Leach said: “Kim and Cameron have worked really hard in producing professional quality items for customers outside of course hours, utilising not only their joinery trade skills but applying essential skills integrated into their studies, from communication with customers to the design and costing of various projects.

“Developing the entrepreneurial skills which are strongly encouraged in the course has allowed for them to link their theory and practical work in College to real life projects, allowing for a greater understanding of their course of study.”

Kim is now looking to progress to the Level Three Diploma in Site Carpentry while Cameron is considering whether to be self-employed or continue his studies at level three.

For more information about joinery and other courses at East Riding College, go to www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call 0845 120 0037.