Two young would-be sparkies enjoy fiddling with flexes (in absolute safety) at the ‘Have a Go’ sessions run by the College of North West London at the new Brent Civic Centre.
The college had been invited by the new building’s main contractor, Skanska, and Brent Council to join them at an Open Doors event for the community.
Pat Leavey, Head of the College’s Technology Faculty, said: “We were delighted to take part in this event, just a few minutes away from our own Wembley Park campus.
“Our staff and students ran lots of interactive activities allowing visitors to test their skills in all aspects of construction such as bricklaying, plastering, plumbing, electrical and decorating tasks. It was a great way to give children and adults a hands-on feel for a range of vital skills that could lead to a great career in the construction industry.”
The College also took the opportunity to show off its Motorsports courses, which includes a diploma programme for students aged 16 - 19. A long queue of would-be Stigs - including College Principal Vicki Fagg - enjoyed the chance to be photographed sitting in the cockpit of a racing car custom built by College students.
Paul Davies, Project Director for Skanska’s London and South East building division, commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to open up our doors to the local community and show them the wide variety of career options available in the construction industry.
“Without the College of North West London’s support, hard work and fun activities for the children to take part in, this event would not have been so successful.
“Brent Council and Skanska have been working closely with the borough’s diverse community in the development of the Civic Centre. The new building will be very much a ‘community hub’, and engaging with local people is at the core of the project. The Open Doors event was an excellent example of this work in practice.”