Level 3 apprentice, Dan Heasman, who works for R and S Autos in Seaford, and Lomax Challen – Hoad, also a Level 3 Body and Paint apprentice, showed Hilary how to paint special effects on a vehicle panel using water based paints. Hilary tried her hand at a carbon fibre effect and a seamless fade from green to blue using yellow candy – a yellow translucent colour coat.

 

There are one million colours that can be mixed. Hilary was shown how to find the right colour and shade, then was taken to the oven to paint her panel. Using a simple dusting mat over the panel, Hilary and the two apprentices used a paint spray gun to create a carbon fibre effect.  

 

For the second panel, they were taught how to create a seamless effect using layers and the art of patience.

 

Hilary said: “The thing that impressed me was the combination of chemistry, physics, precision and creative skill needed. I think it is a great idea to come down and see what happens within the workshop. Both Dan and Lomax showed a great deal of maturity and the skills needed to work within the international market place.

 

“We were talking about working aboard, and I understand that Australia is crying out for skilled people like Dan and Lomax.

 

“The workshop is very busy and active with a high level of participation. I enjoyed it!

 

Mike Bergin, Body and Paint Lecturer said: “At college, our apprentices’ skills are developed to give them some scope to take back to their employer and develop the business.”                        
 

Tuesday saw Dick Holste, Chairman of the Corporation, with five plumbing apprentices complete a practical assessment task which involved bending a 15mm copper tube.  
 

 He said: “It’s been good fun and great to see what is happening at a grass roots level. The classes are very hands-on and well taught. The students are learning very quickly, considering they have come straight from school. They all have jobs and are very enthusiastic.
 

 

“There is more room for apprentices though; I know that the government are pushing for a more skilled workforce. The problem is trying to find firms who are willing to take on young apprentices.

 

“I have really enjoyed myself, although if I spring a leak at home, I won’t be fixing it myself - I will be calling out a plumber!” 
 

 
 

Tuesday also saw Kirsti Godson, Strategic Development and Employability Manager become a bricklayer apprentice. First she went back to the classroom find out what her task of the day was along with the health and safety rule. Together with apprentice Steven Kemp, they were tasked to build a Flemish garden wall.

 

Steven, a Level 2 brickwork apprentice and works for Booker and Best who are based in St Leonards. He showed Kirsti how to work the bond for the wall, allow for plumbing points, and how to do a joint finish.

 

Said Kirsti: “I’m really enjoying myself - I’ve never built a wall before. I’m usually dealing with contracts and figures so it’s great to be doing something practical. It’s nice to see everyone in action and to meet Geoff from Booker and Best as well as his apprentice, Steve who has been very helpful!

 

Building manager of Booker and Best also paid a visit to the college to view the facilities and to watch Steve and Kirsti at work.

 

He said: “I am very impressed with the set up at the college. The standard of the workmanship and teaching is very high. Kevin, the tutor obviously enjoys what he does and relates very well to the students.”  
    

Friday saw Head of Eastbourne Vocational College, Kevin Standish become a carpentry apprentice.

 

In the class with Kevin was Ben Cawkill, James Kennelly and Tom Carey who are Level 2 apprentices in Site Carpentry and work for Westridge Construction Ltd. They were set a joisting task which tested their accuracy. 

 

He said: “I spend a lot of my time sitting behind a desk or rushing off to meetings, so it was good to get out and spend some quality time in the workshop.

 

“I was really impressed with how enthusiastic the staff and the apprentices were in getting on with the assessment. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and have learnt a few useful skills such as the right and wrong way of hammering a nail!”