Pupils from Colmers Secondary School in Birmingham are receiving an invaluable opportunity to train for careers in construction and hairdressing. Colmers is one of 10 secondary schools in a local education action zone participating in a scheme supported by the LEA and Lovell Construction. Students work towards an NVQ level 1. Over 150 students are on a course lasting 36 weeks at the Quinton/ Lovell Construction Academy gaining hands-on experience in skills such as plumbing, carpentry, brick-laying and painting. The Quinton EAZ (Quinzone) is impressed by pupil attendance on the course, with the majority expected successfully to complete the NVQ. Tutors and teachers have also reported a marked improvement in many of their students' attitudes towards learning.

Video Series: Vocation, Vocation, Vocation
Release Date 2005