This vital project, delivered by Lumen Christi College, Derry, with support from a donation from The James Kane Foundation, is helping to bring traditional manufacturing skills back to the heart of practical learning.
Students will gain hands-on experience in milling, turning on both machine and wood lathes, cutting, shaping and welding metal, using hand tools, and working effectively with taps and dies—all within the safe environment of the school workshop.
The project focuses on rebuilding confidence in essential workshop skills and ensuring that young people develop practical abilities that will serve them throughout their lives. By strengthening staff expertise and returning to core demonstrations and techniques, all Key Stage 3 pupils will benefit from enhanced teaching and a stronger foundation in manufacturing.
Targeted activities, including skills demonstrations and project work, will support students attending the manufacturing club, with a particular focus on Year 11 pupils. The long-term impact will also be felt by students in Years 12–14, who will benefit from earlier exposure to practical engineering and manufacturing skills as they progress through Key Stage 4 and beyond.