Meet Ellie, a T-Level bricklaying student on work experience
Meet Ellie, a 1st year bricklaying T-Level student at North Notts College. She is taking part in a Worksop rejuvenation project where she works alongside fellow students to restore a run-down neighbourhood.
This project is a collaboration between her College, regional charity Groundwork Five Counties, and Bassetlaw District Council as part of its Thriving Neighbourhoods Strategy.
When we meet Ellie on a sunny day, she is hard at work mixing mortar. She uses this to repair damaged brick walls in the communal areas of Priory Mews, a neighbourhood that has become neglected over the years.
Ellie explains: “Many of the walls here are made of red bricks that have exploded or have been smashed by people. We remove the damaged bricks, replace them, and patch everything back up so it looks nice again.
“We are also replacing blue brick tops; these are the easiest as they come right off and you can replace everything in one go so it all looks consistent and there’s no obvious difference between old and new parts. All these small changes make a big difference.
“The people living here have been really nice, when it’s hot they offer us cold drinks and ice creams and we’ve had lots of compliments on our work. They have said it’s looking much better already which is great to hear!”
Ellie and her fellow students are working on a wide range of tasks to spruce up the Priory Mews neighbourhood, with students from different courses working together. Planned works for the summer include repairing brickwork, installing new fencing and garden gates, replacing pergolas, planting new greenery, and more.
Ellie says: “I love the experience so far, getting my hands dirty. I grew up with the trade, my uncle showed me the ropes, and I always felt it’s something I could do as well. I’m the only girl on site but that doesn’t bother me! I work hard, put the effort in, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far.”
To read more about this project, visit the website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/student-work/