Solihull College & University Centre’s construction students have volunteered their time and expertise to lend their skills to a family in Shropshire who were in need of support.
The plastering students worked on the set of the BBC’s long-running TV programme DIY SOS: The Big Build. The Shropshire-based Grafton family turned to the programme for help improving their home after moving from London to Hopesay in the Shropshire Hills. Mother Jess and father Joe, along with their daughter Lucy, aged seven, received devastating news when Jess was diagnosed with acute leukaemia and septicaemia. Tragically, just two days after her diagnosis, she passed away, leaving Joe to care for Lucy and attempt to complete their half-renovated home.
Lecturer Carl Pedley approached the show offering support for any upcoming projects. Carl learned that the programme had a new build coming up and that plasterers would be required to help with the project.
The students at Solihull College & University Centre jumped at the opportunity to help the family and gain valuable work experience on a real-life building site. The Level 2 plastering students, including Daniel Austin, Shaun Smyth, Paul Burke and David Lynch, assisted Julian Perryman with plasterboarding and skimming an upstairs bedroom, removing old materials and boarding the living room. They also helped other tradespeople with loading materials and increasing productivity on the project. Julian was reportedly surprised that it was the first time some of the students had worked on-site, and praised the way they conducted themselves.
Along with the students, lecturers Joe Farrell and Thomas Clarke worked tirelessly to provide this opportunity and support such a deserving family. The students and staff from Solihull College’s Woodlands Campus worked hard on the build, setting off each morning at 6:00am and not returning until 6:30pm, with lecturer Joe driving four hours each day in addition to working an eight-hour shift on site.
After nine days of hard work, the house was completed and the Grafton family were delighted with their renovated home, which they can now enjoy together.
The tutors and students were invited to attend a thank-you evening at the Craven Arms in Shropshire. Nick Knowles, presenter of the show, was reported to have paid tribute to Solihull College’s students and thanked them for their contribution.
Phil Paddock, Programme Manager for Construction at Solihull College & University Centre, commented: “I am so proud that the construction department at Solihull College & University Centre has supported such a wonderful project. It has provided our learners with exceptional experience and we have been humbled by the opportunity.”
As part of their diploma qualification, the students must complete at least 30 hours of work experience throughout the year. Their work on the project can contribute towards this requirement, giving learners the experience needed to become tradespeople when they complete their course.
Student Shaun Smyth commented: “Going on DIY SOS was a great experience and I was able to work with other tradespeople and see how a real site works. It was good to meet Nick and the others from the show. Joe and Lucy now have a home they can share. It is amazing how much can get done in a short space of time with everyone’s help. It is definitely something to be remembered.”
The College also donated a bike for Lucy to enjoy in her new home, which she and her father Joe were grateful to receive. With thanks to all the volunteers and the programme itself, the family are now looking forward to enjoying their new home.
