UCOL house build a win,win,win

13 August 2012

UCOL house build a win,win,win

UCOL Wairarapa trades students are constructing more than a house, they are building powerful relationships with local businesses, suppliers and the community.

The house build project is a ‘win, win, win’ situation says Construction Programme Coordinator Brett Tickner. “Our trades students get to work on a full scale construction job, our sponsors and industry partners get a platform to showcase their products and services, and the Asthma Foundation will receive the profits of the house sale.”

Supervised by Carpentry Lecturer Peter VanderVeen, 11 UCOL Certificate in Carpentry Level 4 learners will construct to a stage, the two bedroom house in their new purpose-built covered facility over the next 4 months. Thirteen Joinery students will work on the cabinetry for the kitchen and bathrooms. Diploma in Interior Design students from UCOL’s Palmerston North campus will design the colour schemes for the exterior, roof, cladding, windows and the interior linings and kitchen.

Brett says the highly visible site adjacent to The Warehouse on Chapel Street allows passersby to see the building progress throughout construction.

Major sponsor Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton has come on board in a big way by agreeing to supply as many of the building materials and products for the construction and fit out, the cost of which they will recoup at the point of sale. They are also sourcing sponsored products from their huge range of suppliers which will benefit the donation made to the Asthma Foundation.

Brent Stewart, General Manager of Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton says, “We jumped at the chance to partner with UCOL in this venture. We were looking for a project to put our brand behind and UCOL certainly fitted that. We are not only helping students get their qualifications with hands on building practice but also supporting a non-profitable organisation like the Asthma Foundation. We look forward to a long term relationship with UCOL in the future.”

“Mega have been amazing,” says Brett. “Not only have the Carpentry students already constructed the external framing at their factory, but the company has also provided them with apparel and tools. We have all been ‘Mega-ed up!”

Several Wairarapa-based building contractors and related businesses are showing their support for the project with products and services. Fisher Windows, Laser Plumbing and the local EITO associated electrical apprentices are part of the project along with JNL who have supported our set up.

The 93 square metre dwelling has been designed to use as many hypo-allergenic products as possible and has incorporated the Asthma Foundation ‘tick’ where possible.

There has been strong interest shown by a Charitable Trust to purchase and relocate the dwelling to a site in Carterton near another charity house that is being built. The dwellings will then become part of a bigger fundraising venture that when sold will give all profits to help support other nominated nonprofit organizations. “Once the house is relocated the learners have the opportunity to be part of this extracurricular charitable venture to help support the cause and put in to practice their newly learnt skills,” says Brett.

“This building project gives UCOL the chance to offer a real-life, tangible learning experience for our Carpentry students to become job ready graduates,” says Brett.

“It’s also a great opportunity for UCOL and the students to work with local companies and trades-people and create a genuine community project.”

ENDS

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