Patio furniture enterprise raises skills levels and charity

Students at Walsall College have crafted, polished and spruced up their enterprise skills by producing and selling patio furniture for charity.

Level 1 carpentry and joinery and painting and decorating students partnered up to make patio tables, chairs, planters and storage boxes to sell to the college community and online.  Over £300 has been raised so far for Penkridge-based canine charity, Brighter Days Rescue.

“The world of work is at the heart of everything our students learn and do,” said Lee Rogers, lecturer in painting and decorating at the college.  “Students came up with this business idea and spent around five weeks preparing the items and getting them finished to a high standard.

“This project has taught them about working with others outside their trade and working sustainably.  Every furniture item has been made from small offcuts and other recycled timber.”

The college’s construction trade students are already known for producing and selling craft items throughout their year.  Every December, they create a wooden reindeer and sleigh.

Lee continued: “We’ve had some great customer feedback which has enhanced the students’ pride in their work.  They can look back on this initiative as a real demonstration of their skills and acumen.”