Apprenticeship Update: Fisherman's Home Nears Completion!

It has been an eventful journey with the ongoing construction of the fisherman's house as part of our community regeneration project in La Fortune, St. Patrick.

This initiative is a learning opportunity for young apprentices, equipping them with skills in carpentry and resilient home design while providing Trevor with a secure, hurricane-resistant home. Here’s a look at the progress so far, the challenges we’ve faced, and the lessons we’ve learned.

Challenges Faced

1. Initial Design Hurdles - At the start, we encountered difficulties with interpreting and implementing the initial house design. Collaborating with local architect Corie John, we adapted the plans into a practical blueprint that apprentices could easily follow. This adjustment helped to streamline the learning process while ensuring the house met safety standards.

   
   

2. Material Shortages and Funding - Coastal environments demand durable construction materials, and acquiring these on time proved challenging. While we were fortunate to secure funding from Black Curatorial and Windward Aid, managing costs and sourcing materials amidst delays required significant effort.

   
   

3. Youth Engagement and Retention - One unexpected hurdle was maintaining the apprentices' motivation and attendance. Building houses while simultaneously learning carpentry skills is no small feat. We’ve addressed this by assigning a dedicated facilitator to focus on mentorship, fostering teamwork, and developing softer skills.

   
   

4. Community Expectations - The community was understandably eager to see results. Balancing the apprentices' learning pace with community expectations for timely delivery has been a delicate act. Clear communication and regular updates have helped manage these expectations.

What We’ve Learned

1. The Value of Resilient Design - Adapting house designs to local conditions has underscored the importance of resilience. Teaching apprentices to incorporate these elements ensures they not only gain practical skills but also learn to think critically about sustainability and safety in construction.

   
   

2. Soft Skills Are as Crucial as Technical Skills - Beyond hammers and nails, the apprentices are learning collaboration, time management, and problem-solving. These skills will benefit them in future projects and contribute to community cohesion.

   
   

3. Mentorship Matters - The presence of an experienced mentor, Anthony Moses, has been a game-changer. His hands-on guidance has not only accelerated skill acquisition but also inspired apprentices to take pride in their work.

   
   

4. A Platform for Broader Engagement - This project has sparked interest among other community members, with inquiries about employment opportunities and suggestions for future housing projects. This feedback is a testament to the project's broader impact on community resilience.

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to completing Trevor’s home, we are filled with optimism for the apprentices’ potential. This house is not just a structure—it is a symbol of hope and a model for future regeneration projects.

By focusing on sustainability, skills development, and community involvement, we are building more than homes; we are fostering a resilient, united community.

Stay tuned for the final update as we reflect on the completed project and the journey that got us there!