A metal sculpture of a woolly mammoth has been installed near Creswell Railway Station.

Students from Heritage High School in Clowne and The Bolsover School, were given the opportunity to learn fabrication and welding skills in an authentic workshop environment. These sessions have supported the students to develop their employability skills and plan for their post 16 progression.

The students all completed the course with a certificate in fabrication, earned over a total of 24 sessions, which they can take forward to help secure future employment.

The mammoth was designed, and then a prototype produced, before the final, large-scale model was completed by the students all aged between 14 and 16 years.

All 12 students involved will complete their studies and apply their new skills as they move on positive progressions including further education, apprenticeships, and the armed forces.

Owing to the impact, the project has now been extended so a further 12 students will be offered a chance to take part.

Cabinet member for partnerships, Councillor Mary Dooley said: “The students have done a fantastic job creating this sculpture for Creswell which celebrates the area’s history. Many of the students live in the area so they will be able to see it and be proud of it for many years to come.

“Fusion Learning has come from brilliant partnership working and has helped a group of students to achieve something that they, and the community, can be proud of.”

The project has been part of The Fusion Learning Project partnership between ourselves, Engineered Learning, Direct Education Business Partnership, East Midlands Railway, Community Rail Network, Cross Country Trains Limited, and Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership.