A Day of Inspiration and Opportunity: A Warm Welcome to the Worshipful Company of Plumbers and CIPHE

Our construction and plumbing students had the privilege of taking part in masterclasses led by industry experts. Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager of CIPHE, and Ruben Duggen, Silver Medallist in WorldSkills, shared their vast knowledge, demonstrating essential plumbing techniques such as pipe bending, the use of press-fit tools, and Tectite plumbing systems. Even our experienced plumbing teachers admitted they had picked up new skills they were eager to put into practice!

Beyond the practical sessions, our Sixth Form students were captivated by an inspiring talk from Jason Clark – a successful business owner and Director of the Year Finalist (2020, Institute of Directors). Jason shared his remarkable journey from hardship to success, showing our students how personal challenges can be turned into strengths. His powerful message – "Find your unfair advantage and use it as your superpower!" – struck a chord with many, leaving them feeling motivated and empowered.

Our guests were also given a deeper insight into life at Mary Hare. They enjoyed presentations on the school's history, took part in deaf awareness training, and were given a tour of our construction facilities. They even had the chance to experience teaching in some of our non-construction subjects, further enriching their understanding of our unique environment.

No visit would be complete without a delicious meal, and our guests and students alike enjoyed a hearty roast lunch, followed by a relaxed and reflective chat over tea and cake. It was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the exciting potential for future collaboration.

We are incredibly grateful to our visitors for their time, expertise, and generosity in sharing their knowledge. Our students gained so much from this experience, and we are eager to build on this relationship, with the hope of developing meaningful opportunities such as apprenticeships and employment pathways for our deaf students.  A special thanks goes to Debbie Abergil and Hugh Ogus MBE, former Chairman of Governors, who arranged the visit. Thank you so much for your support! This visit was just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing where this exciting partnership takes us next!