Students at Harrow College came together and combined their knowledge of construction and engineering to design an Eco-house – a seven week long building project as part of the departments Expo celebrations.
Blended teams consisting of student plumbers, electricians and carpenters on City & Guilds courses embarked on the project which put sustainability and renewable resource at the heart of the build - a key focus of the construction industry which will continue to have significance in building projects of the future.
Each team worked on all aspects of the build. Both theory and practical elements were applied during the progression of the project. Topics including the choice and use of specific materials, the costing of the build and health and safety were all addressed.
As the weeks progressed, passionate young learners and proud course tutors saw the Eco House take shape. Working together as a team helped the students develop teamwork, communication and presentation skills. The successful application of these skills ultimately ensured the students achieved their building project objectives. From idea conception seven weeks ago to a final presentation event, students unveiled their Eco House in a packed room filled with students, parents and VIP visitors.
One of the guests at the Expo event was Matthew Simmons, Head of Construction and Engineering at City & Guilds. He commented "combining different trades to look at a sustainable project is a clear and unique approach to attracting people into the industry. The topic of sustainability is key topic for the sector and events like todays Expo are fantastic for encouraging growth in the sector".
One of the students involved in the build was Stephen Graves, 19. He said "The project was a great opportunity to learn new skills and grow in confidence. Working in mixed groups gave us valuable experience of different trades within the sector. I hope to one day become a self-employed carpenter".
The Eco House will now continue to be built and developed by the learners to further enhance their learning experience and provide opportunity for assessment.