Students trade off their skills in unique activity

What do Hairdressing, Motor Vehicle and Bricklaying have in common? A group of students who share their skills with each other.

This was the scene at Fareham Reach when the three industries came together for an enrichment event. All of the students demonstrated their own skills to each other before participating in sectors out of their comfort zone.

The idea was thought of by Head of Construction and Outreach, Mark Bonham, and Gosport College Hair and Beauty Academy’s Salon Manager, Keri Watson. They thought it would be a good idea for all Gosport College learners to join in an enrichment activity together. Since the hairdressing students have been attending Fareham Reach for their theory and have been in direct contact with the construction and motor vehicle students whose workshops are based there, it was a good way of getting them to work together and to expel any fears of working in a male dominated area.

Stefanie Simpson, Hairdressing student said: ‘I gained a fantastic experience which incorporated equality and diversity. The best activity for me was working with the motor vehicle students as I liked working in a team. I could do it all day long, it was so interesting. The lecturer was very thorough and explained all the health and safety of tools and machinery before we started.’

Keri Watson commented: ‘I think we were all quite surprised how the boys succeeded in the hairdressing tasks set for them and their joint enthusiasm – that made it very easy for the girls to instruct them.

‘I was very proud of my Level 1 tutor group for being brave enough to accept the challenge of instructing students from construction and motor vehicle and even though they were a little fearful of their attempts to practice bricklaying and changing a wheel, they all participated and really enjoyed the diverse experience.’

Due to the success of the event, it is hoped this will be a regular event to bring together the students of Fareham Reach and Gosport Salon.