Footpath in progress

 

Learning to lay concrete for a footpath 

We have been working on building some footpaths down by the canteen.    This part of the footpath is approximately 4 metres long.   Hoani did most of the digging for this path.   

This image shows the boxing we put in place to support the concrete and to make sure the concrete doesn't pour out everywhere.  

We placed the wire reinforcing mesh down before pouring the concrete because it helps with the structural integrity. Using the wire mesh will help the concrete stay together and it will be stronger for longer.  It also makes it less likely to crack.

Michael, Manaaki, DJ and David were in charge of mixing the concrete and getting the ratio right.  We used four shovels of building mix to one shovel of cement.  Everyone else was taking turns at moving the concrete and emptying into the boxing.  

DJ and Kadel finished the concreting by screeding which involves smoothing and leveling out the concrete.  

Learning about Soft Skills

 Today in our lesson, we learned about soft skills that are important attributes to have in any profession.  We talked about what our personal strengths.  Amongst our students we have a well rounded group of skills.  

Delina for example, is flexible.  I know I can ask her to work with any students, on any job and she's quite happy to get on and do that.  She's got a great attitude, and her paperwork is second to none. DJ has absolute confidence in his building abilities. When you watch him work, especially when concreting, you can see he uses most tools like he has been using them for years. One of Isaac's key strengths is that he is a strong team player. He can work with anyone, and produce work to a consistently high standard.

Michael is a great motivator. His work ethic, his singing, his optimism are infectious in such a positive way. Otulea has strong leadership skills. His strength is in seeing the job in its entirety, and organising everyone in a way that gets the job done, utilising individual's strengths. Faith is dependable, hard working and highly skilled to boot. She consistently produces sketches, CAD drawings, order forms and cutting lists to a very high standard. Her shelving in the PE shed showed very high accuracy.