The College was the first in the UK to buy a property for its students to work on as part of their training, paying £71,500 at the start of the year for the outdated two bedroom terraced house in Tredworth. After a full refit, including installation of new plumbing, electrics and fixtures, reinstating some of its original Victorian features, landscaping the garden, replacing the roof, and plastering, painting and decorating, it will be listed on the market at £125,000 with local estate agent Twocan.
On Friday 23rd September the students and staff involved with the project showcased the finished renovation to supporters, including local merchants who kindly donated materials and equipment. Phil McCormick, Managing Director of Nick’s Timber, addressed guests at the event, speaking of the importance of preparing young people for the construction industry.
He said: “As Gloucester’s oldest family business, we know the importance of nurturing the young workforce, which is why we were keen to support the College by providing materials such as fencing.
“Now the first student renovation is done, we’d like to see more involvement from other local traders on future projects.”
E G Carter & Co Ltd’s two Housing Management Trainee’s, Zoe Bartholomew and Sam Comfort supported the Gloucestershire College students throughout the scheme by compiling a list of local contractors for the students to contact, Zoe said: “This was a great idea from start to finish, all of the students, including Sam and I were involved straight from the outset, its perfect for hands on learning and gave us invaluable experience”