Learners from Leicester College tackled regeneration head-on by volunteering to develop the new pavilion at Thurmaston Bowls Club for free.

Callum Flude, James Jarram and Kelton Phillips, have all completed their Level 2 Diploma in Plastering and should be on their summer breaks.

But instead the trio began working at the club on Monday 1 July 2013 and completed their work last Friday.

Staff at Thurmaston Bowls Club contacted Leicester College to see if any learners would be willing to volunteer to help on their new project.

Thanks to lottery funding they’ve built a new bowls pavilion which is part of Elizabeth Park Sports and Community Centre in Thurmaston which needed final finishing works completing.

Callum, James and Kelton  plastered the wooden style building with a veranda, meeting hall, changing rooms, kitchen and toilets to get in ready for club users in time for bowling season.

Speaking at the time of their interview whilst working at the club, Kelton said: “It’s a good chance for us to put what we have learnt over two years to good use and into practice. This is a good opportunity to get some real-life work experience and plus it is always good to give something back. It doesn’t always have to be about the money.”

Callum added: “It’s been a good week. This helps us put what we’ve learnt at Leicester College into practice and it’s a great thing to do, to help the community.”

Elaine Chamberlain, Operations Manager at Thurmaston Bowls Club said she is thrilled with the results: “I’m really pleased with their work. All three are very professional, dedicated and enthusiastic. I’m actually quite surprised because their attitude and performance is of such a high standard. They want to complete their work on time and have even been taking shorter breaks to make sure they reach their deadline. I feel like I’ve got employed plasterers and I keep forgetting they’re actually volunteering their time!”

Harmi Kandola-Basi, Work Placement and Progressions Co-ordinator at Leicester College, said: “This was a great opportunity for our learners to end the year after completing their Level 2 Plastering diploma.

“The learners have been offered an opportunity to gain skills that they are not otherwise able to obtain at College, giving them the self confidence and experience which will enable them to get another step closer to gaining employment.

“It was also good of the learners to volunteer their services and give up their own time to be involved with this community regeneration project.”

The work carried out by learners will be assessed by a curriculum member of staff from Leicester College to make sure it meets all requirements.