Students Smarten up Salhouse Broad for Summer

Enterprising young students from City College Norwich have been taking part in a project at Salhouse Broad aimed at regenerating the site for the general public and summer holiday makers to enjoy. Focusing on areas of disrepair and in need of development, a team of students have been hard at work repairing fences, boardwalks, benches and pathways, improving facilities and access for all.

The students, aged between 14 and 16, are all studying for Young Apprenticeship (YA) in Construction one day a week, at the College, whilst studying for GCSE’s and other courses in their local schools. The course allows motivated young students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the construction industry with both theoretical and practical projects and assignments. Students undergo 50 days of work related learning during the course, enabling them to put their new skills into practise in a real work environment and giving them a head start in the construction industry.

Under the supervision of City College Norwich staff and the Salhouse Broad Countryside Ranger, Tobi Baker, students have repaired rotten or damaged benches, boardwalks and quays, constructed new BBQ areas, replaced fencing and even removed Himilayan Balsam which can be a problematic plant when left to grow unchecked on the broads. Students have worked hard on all projects in what has been some changeable weather and even taken some time out to enjoy their surroundings with a boat trip and visit to Hoveton Great Broad Nature Reserve.

Salhouse Broads Countryside Ranger Tobi Baker said: ‘The students have been doing a great job sprucing the place up, giving Salhouse Broad a much needed spring clean. These young people have worked on several small projects ranging from improved emergency access to the area to increasing safety and security in the car park. I have been impressed by their enthusiasm and hard work, achieving some splendid results over their three week placement”.

Asked about his experiences on the project, student Joe Williams, 16 said: “We all really enjoyed the project. We especially enjoyed being outside and doing a variety of different jobs.”

Student Luke Barber, 16 said: “We learned how to work as part of a team, we learnt how to assess a job before we undertake the task and we learnt how to measure, place and use tools for the jobs that we had. We interacted with the public and explained what we are doing and how we are doing it.”

To see a video of the students at work see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy69440nahU