Last month, our Carpentry learners kickstarted the first stages of the Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen renovations by taking apart the old benches and outdoor seating area from the front of the property which they will repurpose as part of their Social Action Project.
When taking the furniture apart, learners made sure to remove any screws and nails before moving the wood to the South West Skills workshop where they will separate the usable wood ready for repurpose. They will then work together to create an assortment of Christmas decorations to be sold by the students during the weekly Wednesday Market on the Italian Gardens. All money made from these sales will then go towards the Weston College RAG Week charities: Weston Hospicecare and a second charity chosen in the upcoming months by the Student Committee ahead of RAG Week in March 2026.
The students also weeded the outdoor seating area, brushed the floor, and cleaned the glass panels surrounding the area. They will also be salvaging the flower beds to reuse them when Lasseter’s reopens to reduce waste. This has turned the outdoor area into a blank canvas, ready for new furniture to go in during the refurbishments.
Repurposing old benches into marketable products for charity offers our students a blend of personal and professional development. On a personal level, students build creativity and problem-solving skills by transforming discarded items into something functional and appealing, while also experiencing the satisfaction of contributing to their community through charitable giving. Professionally, the process cultivates resourceful thinking, project management, and teamwork skills that are highly valued in the workplace.
By marketing and selling their creations, students gain hands-on experience in business operations, communication, and client engagement, which can strengthen their portfolios and career readiness. Ultimately, this Social Action initiative allows students to grow as socially conscious leaders who can balance innovation with purpose, making a meaningful impact while developing transferable skills for their future careers.
This project also fits in with Weston College’s sustainability values by reducing waste and upcycling materials to create products. It’s a great opportunity for students to discover new ways to repurpose furniture in fun and creative ways which also gives back to the community. This task will allow them to think creatively and innovatively but also engage with the community when selling their handmade products.
Well done to our Carpentry students for taking this opportunity in stride, handling tasks efficiently and maturely, and helping us turn creativity into community impact!
This initiative forms part of the Construction Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
Progress to the next level in Construction! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!
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