Carpentry students at Moreton Morrell College are using their skills to make products to raise funds for a charity appeal which is supporting those living in Ukraine.
Level 3 carpentry students held a stall at the college’s annual Lambing and Animals Weekend, held at WCG’s Nether Moreton Farm, in aid of Oxfam’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The group of nine students designed products including planters, bird boxes, garden benches, candle holders, welly hangers and outdoor storage before working out the cost of the materials and what they should be priced at.
Two students then ran the stall at the event, which was attended by more than 4,000 people, taking £800 worth of orders from customers and also raising money by selling raffle tickets.
The group is now busy making the products to fulfil the orders, supported by the Level 1 and 2 carpentry students who are making some of the small planters, and 40 per cent of the money raised will be donated to the appeal.
John Billings, WCG carpentry and joinery lecturer at Moreton Morrell College, said the project is an excellent opportunity to give students real-life experience of running a business while raising money for charity.
He said: “The students have had to do everything from designing the products and working out costings to marketing these and fulfilling the orders, so it’s a great experience for them. They also decided which charity they would like to support.
“The students who ran the stall did a fantastic job speaking to customers and taking orders, and their confidence grew as the event went on.
“We also had a lot of questions from parents about the carpentry course which has really helped to raise its profile.
“The planters proved the most popular product on the day and everyone is now busy producing all of the orders.
“Due to the volume, we have been able to involve the Level 1 and 2 students which helps with their progression and also retention.
“The materials we use are a very good quality, so the customers are all receiving some excellent products.
“The project has even inspired some of our students to set-up their own small businesses online. It is certainly something we will look to do as an annual event.”
Further information about the carpentry courses at WCG is available at www.wcg.ac.uk/carpentry
PICTURE CAPTION: From left to right - Ben Boswell-Brown, Noah Williams, Jareth Brazier, Aled Thomas and Connor Lyne.