A SKILLS college in Stratford got the Royal treatment with a visit from the Duke of Gloucester.
On Friday afternoon the Duke, himself a former architect, met students at the Building Crafts College (BCC) in Kennard Road.
John Appleton, director of development at BCC, said: “It was a great day. HRH went round every department in the college and the students felt that he really engaged with them.”
Jordan Hurley-West was one of the many students who the Duke stopped to talk to.
The 17-year-old, who lives in Corporation Street, Stratford, said: “He asked me if I had any cuts or bruises. I said I hadn’t got any yet.”
Jordan, who signed up for a one-year diploma in bench joinery at the college after leaving school, said that he eventually wants to start his own business.
BCC, which is owned and funded by the Carpenters City of London Company, provides employment opportunities for young people from the local area.
The college has a deal with housing group East Thames’ charity East Potential to train 20 carpenters for the 2012 Athletes’ Village.
BCC has also begun a training programme for up to 60, 16-18-year-old shopfitters for the Westfield shopping centre.
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