Luke Osborne CO18

Luke tells us about his journey since leaving Truro School and the ever-changing challenges for our recent leavers.

Luke Osborne left Truro School in 2018, having spent every moment outside his lessons in the DT department, doing various woodwork and metalwork projects.

Luke’s passion for woodwork stems from his early days as a 1st year pupil at Truro School. With much appreciated guidance from Tim Tall, Cliff Flowers, Bob Warren and Chris Baker Luke went on to take A level DT alongside his co-curricular DT studies. John West-Letford, (former DT technician), helped establish his interest in metalworking, showing him the ropes on the engineering lathes, milling machines and other precision equipment. Luke credits him with not only his help on a wide range of projects but equipping him with skills and industry etiquette that he uses now in his day-to-day work.

Straight after finishing A levels, Luke worked on various construction projects at Killiow Estate (Kea, Truro) including the renovation of a 1700s lodge house which required the use of a wide range of construction disciplines including joinery and first and second fix carpentry.

In September 2019 he began studying for an RICS accredited degree in Building Surveying through a correspondence programme at University College of Estate Management, Reading, with the aim of attaining chartered status upon completion. Alongside his part-time degree, Luke works full-time at Falmouth Boat Construction in Flushing as a yard maintenance operative, specialising in building repairs and renovations alongside his general boat caring duties. Before the pandemic, Luke continued to go to the DT afterschool club held by Tim Tall as often as possible and looks forward to it restarting when the situation allows.

“Alongside my studies I am continuing to hone my hands-on skills through woodworking and engineering projects, and by widening my knowledge within the construction industry, focusing where possible on traditional woodworking within historic buildings and conservation projects, which is where I hope to specialise in the future.”

Luke is looking for surveying-related work, to support his degree. In the light of the pandemic, this is yet another new type of challenge facing all our young people just starting out on their career journey. Can you offer any help or support? Luke would be very interested to hear from anyone who can offer this type of work experience, or just pass on advice.

If you are in the surveying or historic building industry sectors and could offer guidance or work experience opportunities for Luke please get in touch: [email protected]