Apprentices from North Hertfordshire College’s Engineering & Construction Campus have supported the Official Minds at War charity, creating a safe space for veterans to use in the shape of a mental health battle bus! The apprentices were supplied with all the materials for the project, including the bus, and completed carpentry, electrics, and general maintenance on the bus.
The apprenticeship team were approached by the charity to apply their expertise and skills to the project, which is now being used as an extra crisis space for the NHS. Apprentices from our Carpentry, Electrical, and Property Maintenance programmes undertook the work under the expert guidance of their tutors.
The double-decker was completely transformed through the project. On the upper deck, the space was converted from seating areas to sleeping spaces with beds and a recreational area; downstairs, Apprentices created a kitchen, water source, functional heating system, and shower and toilet facilities. The end result: a functional area which offers a safe area for veterans suffering from PTSD to rest in, following referrals from the NHS.
As well as being a way for our Apprentices to give back to the community, the mental health battle bus also forms part of the study programmes by providing space for learners to put their skills into practice. Julie Purdie, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at the ECC, said: “This project provided a fantastic experience for our students to get realistic hands-on work as part of their qualification. The skills that the students put into practice with this project were replicated in industry, so it gave them experience alongside the support and guidance from our tutors. The project gave them flexible skills that can be used across all aspects of the industry.”
The cause is close to the hearts of the staff who work across these programmes, including Gary Evans, one of our Electrotechnical Apprenticeship Tutors. He told us: “Having served for 24 years, it was great to give something back to veterans of war. With many soldiers left on the street and not supported, I know the impact this project will have.
“In addition, the work gave the Apprentices skills of using DC (direct current from batteries) which they wouldn’t normally do day-to-day when they’re working on mains electrics, so this is additional learning on top of the curriculum they are set as part of their course within the electrical apprenticeship.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which gave the students additional skills and something they are proud to have completed.”
We’re incredibly proud of our apprentices for helping to support their community.