Construction learners contribute over 400 volunteer hours to new Pontllanfraith Centre

Fifteen dedicated learners from Coleg y Cymoedd’s entry-level construction course have collectively donated over 400 hours of their time to the development of the new Pontllanfraith Centre.

Through a partnership with Wynne Construction, the learners were given an opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in trades such as joinery, electrical work, paving, and roofing, bridging the gap between their theoretical knowledge and practical application.

This transformative project, part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme, is backed by a substantial £12.2 million investment. It aims to convert an old school building into a state-of-the-art learning space in Pontllanfraith.

Each learner pledged at least 25 hours of their time over five weeks, with college transportation provided to ensure their participation.

Among the group was Cai Fernon from Pontypridd. Cai, who contributed over 50 hours to the project, said the opportunity has given him the experience to add to his CV that will encourage him to pursue a career in bricklaying: “I was helping build the walls with the stonemasons, which was great. I felt supported throughout the experience by all the staff.”

Similarly, 17-year-old Lacey Fabian enjoyed a taster of real-life carpentry: “I’ve really enjoyed working alongside the carpenter to develop my skills. Being on a live site was very different from classroom learning, but I found I preferred it. It’s given me a real sense of what the job is like.”

This initiative demonstrates the involvement of learners and the opportunities provided by the college’s Vocational Access department. Entry Level courses introduce learners to potential career pathways in specific sectors, offering foundational skills and confidence for possible progression to a Level 1 qualification.

Craig Sweet, the social value manager at Wynne Construction, spoke about the strong partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd: “Our relationship with Coleg y Cymoedd has grown significantly. The college goes above and beyond to offer enriching activities that allow learners to put what they’ve learned in the classroom into real-world practice.”

Dorian Adkins, Head of School for Foundation Learning and Independent Living Skills at Coleg y Cymoedd said: “We are incredibly proud of our learners for completing their work placement hours with such dedication and professionalism. These real-world experiences are vital in preparing learners for life beyond college and help them to develop the confidence, skills, and resilience needed to thrive in their chosen pathways. We’re also incredibly grateful to our partners in Wynne Construction for their continued support and belief in the potential of our learners.”

Discover more about learner support at Coleg y Cymoedd

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