STUDENTS have been cementing their college studies with a role reversal in coursework skills.
Darlington College health and social care students laid the foundations for their equality and diversity studies with a master class in bricklaying.
The all-female student group, who are currently studying towards careers in nursing, social work and as paramedics, were each tasked with building a three course high brick wall under the instruction of fellow first year joinery and bricklaying students.
Darlington College programme leader for BTEC level 3 extended diploma in heath and social care Lesley Harriman explained: “As part of looking at equality and diversity in the workplace we wanted to let our students learn new skills in what is still a predominantly male environment.
“Many people still associate certain roles with certain genders, such as builders being male and nurses being female, but really in this day and age that is not the case.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy the same opportunities to be able to have the career they want despite the gender typical stereotyping of job roles.”
Supervised by programme leader for construction John Headlam, the all boys joinery and bricklaying students worked with the health and social care students helping them to mix and shape the mortar before laying a three course layer of bricks.
“I thought it was a brilliant idea for us to have cross course collaboration with health and social care students and it’s been a great opportunity for my students to improve their communication and team working skills as well,” said Mr Headlam.
“We have had a number of female students on our courses in the past and to be honest they were probably some of the best students in the class, but construction is still a mainly male dominated profession.
“Hopefully sessions like this will show the students that there is no reason why more females shouldn’t work within the industry and I’m looking forward to taking my students to a health and social care lesson so they can learn some of the skills involved in that profession.”
Health and social care student Sally Lane, 18, of Leyburn, whose father is a professional builder, added: “I think my dad would be very proud if he could see me now.
“It’s been very interesting swapping roles and it’s a lot harder to lay bricks than I thought.
“I’ve always wanted to have a career in nursing and have already been offered a place to study at Liverpool John Moore University but maybe bricklaying could be a back up option in the future.”
