Students on the construction pre-apprenticeship programme at New College Nottingham (ncn) have been putting their maintenance skills to good use.

They have taken to St Peter & St Paul’s Church, in Hucknall, where they have been relaying paving slabs, plastering and painting as part of their course. ncn’s pre-apprenticeship programme helps 16 to 19-year-olds find employment in the construction industry.

The course equips young people with work-ready skills while the college uses its contacts with employers to help find a suitable apprenticeship.

Connor Simons (17) progressed from an entry level Diploma in Basic Construction at ncn Basford Hall

He said: “I wanted to build on the skills I’d already learnt and progress to a higher level. That’s when I came across the new pre-apprenticeship programme.

“I’ve loved every minute of the course. I look forward to coming into college each day because I know I’ll be learning something new and be that bit closer to finding a job.”