Jack Teare, aged 15, from Ebor Academy Filey attends Scarborough Construction Skills Village as a pre-16 learner one day a week.

Jack started his one-day placement in April 2017 after he was referred by Ebor Academy Filey. The school referred Jack as he had expressed an interest in construction during a careers meeting. Consequently, the school wanted to see if the Construction Skills Village could help as Jack was often disengaged and prone to bad behaviour in the school environment.

Scarborough Construction Skills Village offered Ebor Academy Filey an alternative curriculum for Jack. It was agreed that Jacks school timetable reduced to four days a week and if he behaved well at school he could attend the Construction Skills Village as a reward for one day a week.

Jack has now settled into this alternative curriculum and he is thriving in a practical environment. Initially, Jack tried Joinery, Multi-Trade and Brick, but he has since decided Brick is the career path for him. He enjoys learning outside on site and he gets on well with the Construction Skills Village tutors and learners.

Jack is currently in Year 10 and hopes to continue his placement for the remainder of secondary school. After this he hopes to progress onto a full time qualification at the Construction Skills Village with the aim of gaining a Bricklaying Apprenticeship.

Mrs Coleman, Assistant Head at Ebor Academy Filey said ‘Attending the Skills Village has certainly given Jack a focus and an idea of a career pathway. He speaks with enthusiasm about his placement day and clearly enjoys the work and interaction he has with his peers and staff there’

Jack Teare a student at Ebor Academy Filey said ‘Coming to the Skills Village gives me time away from school and gives me a chance to focus on what I really enjoy – bricklaying. I like being outside and not stuck behind a desk’