A ‘city hub’ of industry experts in carpentry, joinery and woodworking skills gathered at the new Centre for Modern Construction at Bedford College.
The Institute of Carpenters (IOC) took up an invitation from IOC member college, The Bedford College Group’s training team to stage a partnership event with more than 60 students at the campus off Cauldwell Street, Bedford.
The IOC is a membership organisation, established in 1890 for wood trade professionals of all ages and attendees across campuses in Beds and Northants can apply for student membership.
The event was led by Geoff Rhodes FIMMM MIOD, President of the IOC. He explained: “We acknowledge and welcome the aim of the college group to nurture and train carpentry and joinery professionals to support our industry and we believe this experience added value to the student experience.”
Experts joining Geoff included the Construction Industry Training Board, Structural Timber Association, Medite SmartPly, Truss Rafter Association, the trade organisation: TDUK (formally TTF & TRADA), Historic England, Axminster Tools, Reisser Ltd, TMJ Interiors Ltd, Ironmongery Direct, among others.
Dean Gibson, Head of Construction – Bedford College campus, said: “This was a prestigious event and valuable for our students, full-time, part-time and apprentices to understand the benefits of an organisation like the IOC in promoting understanding of the professionalism and importance of carpentry skills. These crafts cannot be replaced by machines and remain vital to the construction industry.”
Further details on training opportunities www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk
