Construction students at West Nottinghamshire College have been getting to grips with the latest tools, equipment and industry innovations thanks to a roadshow organised by national trade supplier Toolstation.
(left to right) plumbing teacher Matthew Taylor and Toolstation’s business development manager Elena Racovita with students Kian Manley, Ben Cheetham and Lakelan Manning.
The college’s Station Park construction campus on Julias Way, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, hosted the event, which brought together leading manufacturers and suppliers to showcase products used across the construction trades.
Representatives from BOPC Building Products, Milwaukee Tools, Evolution Power Tools, SIP Industrial Products, Ciret, MCR Safety and Soudal UK joined the Toolstation team to share their expertise with students and teaching staff.
Chris Vann from Bosch brought a range of tools from the company which the students could be using in their future jobs.
Trainee tradespeople explored industry-standard equipment, spoke directly with product specialists and gained practical advice on choosing the right tools for different jobs.
Annie Bancroft and Jack Marples were able to inform visitors to their stand about Evolution Power tools.
The event also featured demonstrations, competitions and prizes, while students and staff were offered a 10% discount at Toolstation branches for 28 days on presentation of their college ID. Intermediate Certificate in Site Joinery student Billie Mills was lucky enough to win a selection of tools from Soudal UK’s trade stall.
Site joinery student Billie Mills won tools on the day.
Toolstation account manager Elena Racovita, who helped organise the roadshow, said: “It’s about bringing awareness to tools and equipment that students may not have seen yet but will use in their future careers.
“We want them to understand what products to use, why a particular tool is right for a certain job and where they can get the equipment they need.
“People sometimes think Toolstation is just a DIY shop, but we’re much more than that. By bringing our suppliers together, we’re helping the next generation of tradespeople.”
The Toolstation team were on hand to speak to students about the many tool suppliers and their generous 10% student discount offer.
For plumbing student Kian Manley, the event provided an opportunity to explore products from familiar manufacturers while considering the equipment he will need for his career.
Kian, who hopes to begin working for a plumbing company before eventually becoming self-employed, was particularly interested in Milwaukee Tools.
He said: “Milwaukee’s probably the one I know best. They’re reliable and look good as well.
“I’ve already got quite a lot of Milwaukee equipment, including screwdrivers and tape measures, but nothing power tool-wise yet because they’re too expensive.”
The roadshow attracted many students to visit the company stalls.
Adam Thompson, head of centre for the college’s Station Park and Old Brewery construction campuses, praised the event for helping students make valuable industry connections.
He said: “It’s incredibly important that our students meet and network with people working in the construction tools and equipment industry.
“Events like this introduce them to the latest products they are likely to encounter in the workplace, while helping them understand which tools and materials are best suited to their trade.
There were a number of demonstrations for students to observe.
“Whether our students go on to work for an established company or set up their own business, understanding suppliers and manufacturers is invaluable.
“We’re delighted that Toolstation has brought so many companies together under one roof, providing brilliant interactive opportunities and competitions for our students. It’s a fantastic way of bringing the industry directly into the college.”
Milwaukee tools’ Ishmael Jongwe and Adam Frain.
Intermediate bricklaying student Mikey Thompson had a go on the Soudal time challenge machine.