Students Begin Exciting New Chapter with Gentoo Trades Academy

Three students from the Beacon of Light School have taken their first steps towards a future in construction, after successfully securing a place on the Gentoo Trades Academy programme.

To earn their places, the students attended interviews with Gentoo to ensure they were the right fit for the course. Following their successful applications, the group were invited to the Gentoo Training Academy open day at the company’s head office in Doxford Park, where they met staff from Sunderland College and took part in a range of team-building activities. They also had the chance to visit both existing and new Gentoo building sites to learn more about the work the company carries out across the region.

Our three students attending the Gentoo Trades Academy have made a fantastic start to their course, thoroughly enjoying the practical elements while also gaining valuable knowledge and skills in construction. As part of their training, they are developing essential skills such as measuring and marking out accurately, mixing mortar to the correct consistency, laying bricks in straight, level courses, cutting bricks to size using hand and power tools, reading and interpreting construction drawings, maintaining site safety and cleanliness, using spirit levels and plumb lines for alignment and understanding building regulations and standards.

Two of the students, currently in Year 10, will now begin a two-year course with Gentoo Trades Academy and Sunderland College. Their programme includes hands-on training in brickwork and workshop skills every Tuesday at Sunderland College, as well as sessions at the brand-new Housing Innovation Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) every Wednesday. There, they will work towards a BTEC Level 1 in Construction and Design and a City & Guilds qualification over the two years.

The third student, in Year 11, will complete a one-year, practical-only course, attending Sunderland College every Tuesday to focus on developing key trade skills.

All students will also take part in a work experience week with Gentoo, joining different trades teams to gain real-world insight into the industry and learn what day-to-day life is like on the job.

“It has been a great experience for the students so far; hopefully they will go on to achieve the outcome they desire.”

- Chris Frazer, Technical Support Assistant at Beacon of Light School

At the end of the two-year course, the Year 10 students will be guaranteed an interview with Gentoo for the opportunity to progress onto an apprenticeship with the company. A fantastic next step towards a career in construction. Furthermore, the Year 11 student will have completed the practical elements at Sunderland College, with potential opportunities to progress further with Gentoo, subject to the company’s selection process.