Baumit Online Plastering Lessons Ensure Students Don’t Miss Out During Lockdown

The lessons, which offer an introduction to external wall insulation (EWI) installation techniques, have been created for higher education enlistees at North Lindsey College (NLC) in Scunthorpe.

NLC students were among attendees at the opening of Baumit’s new purpose-built training academy in Doncaster. The visit was part of an initiative drawn-up by Baumit in conjunction with the college to provide youngsters with the plastering, rendering and EWI skills needed to become ‘valued tradesmen and women’. However, scheduled training sessions were cancelled due to the government’s lockdown ruling in March.

To ensure students didn’t miss out on vital tuition, Baumit’s Senior Field Engineer, Chris Kendall, who was due to host the classes, offered instead to provide a series of remote tutorials. The 30-minute sessions have proved a huge success.

Chris said: “The online lessons have gone extremely well. The students are extremely engaged and the college is very pleased we’ve been able to provide remote tuition. At college, the students’ learning focuses on traditional plastering and rendering techniques. Our tutorials introduce them to more modern practices. These theory-based lessons mean when it comes to gaining more practical, hands-on experience with EWI, it won’t be a complete mystery to them and they can hit the ground running, so to speak.”

The five-part online presentations, designed for 16-to-19 year-old students, present an overall insight into EWI. Lessons include all aspects of the installation process; from the initial property survey stage, to the application of base coats, mesh, corner beads and top coats. When training sessions are able to resume at the college, students’ practical skills will be enhanced using materials donated free-of-charge by Baumit.

Chris Kendall added:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be taking part in this training programme on behalf of Baumit. We as a company recognise the need to introduce a new generation to the construction industry, if the country’s future building needs are to be met. This exciting initiative, in conjunction with North Lindsey College, is proof of our commitment to providing youngsters with the skills they’ll to succeed in this fantastic industry.”