REVD Kelvin Woolmer, the vicar working as a chaplain to the construction workers on the Olympic Park site in Stratford, East London, is now industry qualified and the proud possessor of the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) NVQ Level 5.

Retired policeman Kelvin, who was ordained in 2001 and splits his time between working as priest-in-charge at St Paul's church, Stratford, and being chaplain to Stratford City and Olympic Construction site, has added more credence to his chaplaincy role by becoming the first clergyman to gain construction industry qualifications.

Kelvin says: "As the ‘hard hat chaplain', my main focus is to get to know - and serve - the men and women who are working on the Stratford City and Olympic construction sites.

"I've been working on site since October 2006 and seen great changes in the park as buildings have been knocked down and foundations for new ones laid.

"However, despite the many physical changes to the site, the men and women working there still have the same problems, challenges and frustrations that they always have, that we all do.

"I have the great privilege to be working as chaplain to all, irrespective of faith, creed, or anything else you care to mention.

"I've met people who have a very real need to share problems, which they feel unable to share with anyone else. So, as their chaplain, they come to speak to me, knowing whatever they say will remain confidential. Someone asked me if it was stressful listening to so many people's problems: the simple answer is no, as I share my problems with God and Christ who are my workplace chaplains.

"Completing the SMSTS course has given me a much greater understanding of the day-to-day experiences and the related stresses of the men and women who work here. The construction industry has one of the highest proportions of work related injuries and deaths in the UK and it was a bit of an eye opener to learn about the very tight building regulations; the legislation designed to keep construction workers safe from harm and the long term health problems that result from working with materials such as lead, asbestos and even concrete.

"All of this legislation is designed for the safety of the operatives and I was impressed to see how seriously everyone takes it.

Kelvin also holds the Construction Skills Certification Scheme qualification (CSCS), mandatory on the Olympic Park site. He adds: "I'm very grateful to the Construction Industry Training Board for supporting the Construction Chaplaincy here on the Stratford City and Olympic Park. It's gone a long way towards helping me to relate to the primary dangers these men and women face every single working day."

Rt Revd David Hawkins, Bishop of Barking said: "I was delighted to learn that Kelvin embarked on this tough five-day course, and even more pleased when I heard he had passed and become the first vicar to be thus qualified! SMSTS hasimproved his understanding of the industry and it is already helping him to forge stronger and more respected links with the men and women on the Olympic site

Page last edited: 02/09/2008
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