It’s all about constructing an exciting new career for Collette Lau, who has launched her own joinery business whilst studying on a carpentry and joinery course at East Durham College.
Collette, 39, from Coxhoe, had previously worked for most of her working life in the farming sector. As additional work, she would also complete shop renovation work, where she discovered her interest in joinery/carpentry.
In 2018, Collette decided to come to East Durham College’s Houghall campus to study animal management, but due to timing and personal circumstances, had to drop out. It was then that she thought of applying for a joinery course, taught at the college’s Peterlee campus.
After several months of extremely hard work and dedication, Collette has now launched her own joinery business – She Wood. Collette has already started taking jobs alongside her studies, and is working six days (or more!) a week to grow her joinery knowledge both at college and doing work for people in the local area.
Dominic Hunt, Joinery Lecturer at East Durham College, is absolutely thrilled with Collette’s efforts. He said: “It has been fantastic to see someone with so much passion for joinery. Colette is so dedicated to the course – she’s been known to complete workbooks meant for the next few weeks overnight!”
As well as taking on joinery work around the North East, Colette will also be opening her own joinery shop in Willington, where she will be selling a wide variety of handmade furniture for home, garden and business premises.
