"From Students to Facilitators. How our students have grown and developed as part of our team."
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all we have accomplished at BB Craft School and express my gratitude to three particular members of our team: NP, Christopher, and Arstell.
(From left:) NP, Arstell & Christopher graduated from the first Cupboard Design, Build & Install Course in January 2022.
Our Journey Begins
It's hard to believe that it was just over a year ago that I started this BB Craft School journey. Christopher and I had previously worked together at BB Designs Woodworks. After a couple of years apart, I called him to discuss this new venture. Christopher was all in and we started preparing the workshop and office in November 2021.
Christopher's Journey
Christopher first came to my workshop in 2014 to ask for a job. At the time, I couldn't afford to hire him, but he was eager to work and get experience, so I told him I would let him know when I needed help. The next day, he was there waiting. He said he didn't care much about payment at that time, so I told him to come along to a job site to help clean. He did a great job, and after that, he worked with me for a few years. I was grateful to have him as part of my team. His dedication and willingness to work without expecting payment showed me a lot about him. Of course, I paid him for his work from day one and he proved to be a valuable asset to my business.
Christopher has been part of the BB Team for many years.
Full Circle: From Students to Facilitators
Fast forward to January 2022. NP and Arstell were our first students to sign up for our cupboard course. It's been amazing to see how they have grown as woodworkers and as individuals over the past year.
NP & Arstell, building their side tables on day 2 of the Cupboard Design, Build and Install Course.
NP joined the team after he completed his General Woodworking Course in July 2022. He had shown a strong passion for woodworking and a dedication to learning. I was impressed by his progress and development as a student.
Throughout the year, both NP and Christopher have been instrumental in the success of our school as facilitators and employees. We are grateful to have had them as part of our team. Their dedication and hard work have truly inspired us.
Arstell is currently a part-time employee who will help NP occasionally, while NP is a full-time employee. He will be our Strand branch workshop manager and our leading facilitator.
NP's Journey From Student To Facilitator:
NP, in particular, has played a vital role in the growth of our school. As our leading course facilitator and foreman on our installation projects (while we still took on projects), he has consistently gone above and beyond in his duties. Ensuring that our students receive the best possible education and that our projects are completed to the highest standard. I am proud to have him as a key member of our team.
NP attended the first Cupboard Course (January 2022) and first Woodwork Course (July 2022) at his own expense. Between these dates, he was employed at a Cupboard and Kitchen Installation company in Bredasdorp. He is now the workshop manager and lead facilitator at our Strand branch.
We recently completed our last office installation project for the year. It was great to be able to employ former students on this project. NP was the team leader, Christopher was the main installer, and Arstell was a helper on-site. We also had another former student, Kumbirai, helping out as a part-time employee. It's always a joy to see our students succeed and grow, and it's a testament to their hard work and dedication that they have been able to turn their passion for woodworking into employment opportunities.
Kumbirai graduated from the Cupboard Design, Build & Install Course in March 2022 and worked part-time with us on an office installation project in September 2022. He has his own renovation and maintenance company.
NP & Christopher facilitating a Cupboard Course - August 2022
Finishing the Year Strong
I want to thank NP for the work he has done in 2022. I threw him into the deep end with projects and facilitating courses, but he has risen to the challenge and has indeed proven himself. I want to thank him for his hard work and tell him how excited I am to work with him in 2023.
We have had our moments of stress and pressure this year, but we've succeeded in improving our courses and growing the school. Finishing the year on a high note with our biggest class of 2022. We had six students join us from Cape Town, KwaZulu Natal, Johannesburg, and the Eastern Cape.
As we look ahead to 2023, we are full of excitement and anticipation. We have ambitious plans to train about four times as many students as we did this year. We are also considering the possibility of opening franchises in Johannesburg and Durban. We are confident that we will continue to grow and thrive, and we can't wait to see what the new year brings.
I want to thank every one of our students who joined us in 2022. Your passion for woodworking and dedication to learning has inspired many, and we are grateful to have been a part of your journey. We look forward to continuing to support you and to helping you achieve your woodworking goals in the future.
NP & Brandt
On A Final Note
Christopher is no longer permanently with BB Craft School, but I wanted to take a moment to thank him for his massive contribution to the school and for being a great facilitator and resource for our students. We hope he will be able to help out as a facilitator from time to time.
Thanks again to NP, Christopher, and Arstell for all you have done for BB Craft School. Your hard work and dedication have been invaluable. I am grateful for the effort you have all put in to make 2022 a successful year for BB Craft School.
Here's to a bright and prosperous future for all of us in 2023!
Having some fun after the first-ever graduation ceremony.
(They thought I was taking photos, haha!)
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
Ending the year full circle, with NP and Arstell as facilitators in our last course for 2022. It's great to see how far they have come, and it's a true testament to their hard work and dedication
(From left: Brandt, NP & Arstell)