If I were a carpenter . . .

A carpentry and joinery foundation course for women has been chosen as an Adult Learners Week award winner jointly by the European Union Social Fund and the National Institute of Adult and Continuing Education.

According to course leader Del Hughes, the Nottinghamshire women have few if any qualifications and have often been dismissed as academic failures. However the foundation course has inspired scores of them to pursue fulfilling careers not only in carpentry but also in many other areas of education and training.

The group learns joinery, how to use hand and power tools, materials and technical drawing and also basic mathematics, study skills and job search skills. The scheme, funded through the EU Social Fund and Notts County Council, operates over 250 square miles.