City of Westminster College students on Foundation Studies in Practical Construction Skills have gained valuable work experience and helped local businesses. The project gave the students the opportunity to put decorating and team working skills to good use, also assisting two shop owners and making a positive contribution to the neighbourhood of Willesden High Road. The work took several days, as woodwork was prepared for painting, storefront canopies were taken down and shop fronts repainted. The two local businesses that benefited – Krish Cards and Monsoon Bakery – were both delighted by the students’ dedication and professionalism.

Community Studies Lecturer Theo Mensah and Learning Support Assistant Jean O’Mahoney, who organised the project, in conjunction with the charity for the built environment The Architecture Foundation, helped to prepare the students for working in the community and ensured the project ran smoothly.

Theo Mensah says: “This was an excellent opportunity to provide valuable experience of the painting and decorating trade and help out small businesses in a very practical way. We are proud of the hard work and commitment of the students who participated – they did a great job.”

Practical Construction Skills is a full-time one-year course at Queens Park Campus for students aged 16-18. It offers vocational tasters in painting, joinery, decorating and plumbing, as well as helping to improve English language skills.

Other Foundation Learning courses offered by City of Westminster College are Business and Travel & Tourism, Childcare & Social Care, Customer Service, Design & Digital Media, Skills for Working Life and Sport & Health. Designed as vocational alternatives to GCSEs and A-levels, these practical and work-related programmes are organised into small units that enable students to earn credits towards a full qualification. On completion of a Foundation Learning course, students can move on to a Level 1 professional course or a Level 2 vocational course.