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The house that St Paul's (will) build

St Paul's Collegiate School —

The St Paul's construction class have their work cut out for them with their 2019 project.

Over the past eight years, our Year 13 Construction classes have completed a number of impressive building projects. This initiative started with a Fale in Western Samoa for the victims of a Tsunami. Since then, the Construction students have been involved in a variety of projects from classrooms destined for Tihoi, to an extension to the Maths and English block. This years’ challenge is to complete a four-bedroom, school hospital staff residence.

There is a strong group of eight students, who will be supported by Messrs Phil Morgan and Gavin Jakes. This year Phil has taken on the role of lead builder and tutor, while Gavin will oversee the project management. The students will be fully involved throughout the entire build process from profiling the foundations, to building the frames from scratch. They have already made a strong start and are currently working on the foundation reinforcements.

Projects of this scale are made possible with the involvement of Thompsons ITM, who are a generous supporter of St Paul’s Collegiate School. It is also important to acknowledge the significant contribution made by all the sub-trades who help make the process run smoothly.

We are also very grateful for the builders from the wider St Paul’s community, who while busy with their own companies, always find time each month to work with the Construction students. Special thanks go to Mr Trent Andrews of Tranda Construction, Mr Martin Dobbe of Urbo Homes, Livingstone Building, Mr Steve Ross of Stewart Hannah Building and Mr Mark May of Mark May Buildings.

We are very proud of this very successful and on-going school – industry partnership. Many of the young men who have participated have gone on to get sought after apprenticeships in the various building/support trades. All who have been involved have gained a real sense of satisfaction and for many, it has proved a life-changing experience. The Construction classes over the past eight years have really enjoyed the experience and recognise that it would not have been possible without the support of the wider community.

The Construction programme depends on the support from the St Paul’s community to ensure its continued success. If you are involved in the building industry and are interested in finding out how you could be involved, please contact Mr Gavin Jakes on 021 127 5216.