Student carpenters take on 'inspirational' charity challenge | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic carpentry students are used to hammering away in class, but when news came their next task would be to "build a house", mouths flung wide open.

"I wasn't sure how good we'd be at building houses," student Brad Pedersen said.

"But I think we've done a pretty good job. It's been fun."

Fifty Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Certificate in Carpentry Level 3 students  spent  last term building two houses, which will be auctioned off in late September, with some of the proceeds going to Homes of Hope, a housing shelter,  which is a safe haven for foster children to stay in.

Frank Vosper of Vosper Realty has agreed to auction and market the houses pro bono. One house is at the lock-up stage and the other will be completed with fixtures, fittings and furnishings, next term.

Student Darren Spratt said it was "pretty sweet to get out there and be doing it".

"We've had a few small challenges, but the tutors have been great and watched and guided us the whole way."

Group leader of carpentry at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Brian Dillon said students were regular volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, but this was the first time the programme had included the full building of a house.

He said the 50 male students had done exceptionally well.

"They have had close supervision from the tutoring team and even though they're building a house, we are treating it as a training operation.

"The start of the project was applying for consents with council and regular inspections will occur throughout."

 Homes of Hope chief executive  Hilary Price said:
 "It's truly inspirational, this whole concept, build a house, build a future; and these young men are so enthusiastic."

Follow the students' progress at: http://boppbuildahouse.wordpress.com/