Pictured: Roshanne (left) and D’Ondre (right) sit on bar stools that they made themselves. Matching tables were also made by these students.
Waste2Work Foundation, true to its cause of increasing work opportunities while decreasing would-be-waste, is honing the professional skills of two young people via its new woodworking apprenticeship. The students, D’Ondre Richardson and Roshanne Richardson (no relation) both had a foundation in carpentry through studying at National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), and are now further developing their skills with an eye on the future, in the apprenticeship which was made possible through collaboration with the Red Cross.
“They are highly motivated, and have been making great progress,” Waste2Work Director Jasper Nijenhuis told The Weekender in an interview at the foundation’s Upcycle Center in Simpson Bay. Laurent Ulysse, with a background in construction, came on-board for the project and has been guiding and challenging the students in a variety of areas.
“We thought that Laurent was a great fit, not only because of his work experience, but because he is also trained as a Life Coach,” Nijenhuis explained. The apprenticeship focuses not just on carpentry in the technical sense, but on complementary and marketable skills. Work ethic, personal development, awareness and entrepreneurship are also pillars of the course.
In the past few weeks, the two have created tables, bar chairs, and large signage, as part of their assignments – following detailed instructions, while having space for creativity. The most artistic and impressive, in our opinion, has got to be the tables featuring a classic herringbone pattern.
Roshanne, who is 21, has always been a lover or art and drawing, and had initially planned to go to the United States to study graphic design – before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She still plans to pursue art, and says she loves using artistic skills for carpentry. “It’s a great combination, and in a way, carpentry is an art in itself. I’ve always liked to build things on my own.”
“My favourite thing about the course is being able to become more independent, and learning business skills. We’re also allowed to make our own mistakes, which is good for learning.”
D’Ondre joined the course primarily to build his technical skills further, and plans to combine these skills with business management. He plans to study the subject, soon, in The Netherlands. “What I’ve enjoyed most about the apprenticeship would have to be expanding and embracing my creativity, and becoming accustomed to working independently,” he says.
The students’ creations can be viewed, along with lots of other projects by Waste2Work Foundation, at the Upcycle Center, located at Airport Road #34 in Simpson Bay, from 8:00am through 4:00pm. The Foundation, like many other non-profit organisations, has been working extra hard to keep things moving during the hard times. Much of the furniture on display is for sale, and helps to keep the organisation running – benefiting both people and the environment. For more impressions, or to reach out, find it on Facebook @Waste2Work SXM.
