Mullion youth group in boatbuilding taster

The boat building taster session gave the group an opportunity to try something new and make something that they could take home with them.

The aim of the session was to see how the students engaged in boat building, with the view of organising an extended six-week course at the college.

This has been an effective method in the past after Helston Youth Group arranged a similar course in leisure and watersports. More tasters covering other courses may be set up for the group, before the six-week course is finalised.

Kylie Millar, youth worker who accompanied the group, said: "They were all really pleased with the session and all got involved. There are not that many practical courses on offer to them where they live, so it's great to be able to show them that they do have opportunities to do what they like, close by.

"We try to show them the different ways in which they can get into the career of their choice, in some cases it is back to education. We try and offer them as many interesting activities as possible, so taster days such as these are brilliant, as they get firsthand experience of what they can be doing.

"It is much better than just telling them about the course. I'd definitely recommend the college to other groups."

All seven participants were keen and once they had listened to the introduction and health and safety talk given by Dave Johnson, boat building tutor at the college, they all got straight into it.

Jack from the group said: "I'm really enjoying the session. It's really interesting. When I got here I knew nothing about woodwork or boat building and I've already learnt loads. I am definitely thinking about applying to the course."

Dave Johnson said: "The whole group have shown a lot of enthusiasm. Hopefully we've given them an insight into a practical trade that could lead to a future. They've all really enjoyed the hands-on side of it and maybe we'll see a few of them here in September."