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Chichester-based timber merchants, Covers, has opened its doors to students to give them an insight into the workings of a modern sawmill.
The party of students, aged between 16 and 21, travelled from the Brockenhurst College’s Marchwood Skills Centre for a tour around the Quarry Lane site with Timber Production Manager Peter Openshaw.
They were given a demonstration of the depot’s new planing and moulding machines, and viewed the timber treatment facilities and hardwood timber sheds with their questions being answered by Peter throughout. Covers’ new timber mill was unveiled last September following a two-year investment programme.
Marchwood Skills Centre is the home of construction and marine courses for Brockenhurst College. Liam Bickerton, Senior Technician at the college, said: “The students are all working towards an extended certificate in construction studies, learning the basics of carpentry and other assorted building trades. They thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Covers, and it was fascinating for them to witness the workings of a real-life timber mill. They were shown the entire process, discovering how the raw materials are cut and treated and finally sent out to customers. All in all it was an excellent visit, and we’d like to say a massive thank you to Covers and our tour guide Neil.”
Neil Woods, Timber Director at Covers, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Marchwood students to Covers. We hope that they will have been inspired by their visit and perhaps even consider working with us in the future and taking part in our successful apprenticeship scheme.”
