Ysgol Bro teifi project provides opportunities for 18 apprentices

A total of 18 apprentices have provided approximately 12 months each of support and hard work over the last two years to help build Wales’ first purpose built 3 to 19 school, Ysgol Bro Teifi, in Ceredigion.

Work started on building the school in October 2014 and the school is set to open on 5 September 2016 to pupils and teachers as planned. The project has offered training and employment opportunities for apprentices in trades such as bricklaying, mechanical engineering, carpentry, and painting amongst others, as well as opportunities and experience for young people Not in Education or Employment or Training (NEET).

These apprenticeship opportunities have been made available due to community benefits clauses being included by the County Council as part of the contractual commitments of this project. This is in line with the Welsh Government’s policy statement that has been issued to all public sector organisations in Wales.

Other community benefits include the creation of employment opportunities within the local community, by establishing an on-site café provided by a local business, engagement with school pupils who have contributed their ideas towards the completed design, and several local community projects have been supported financially or by helping with structural changes.

Councillor Hag Harris, Cabinet Member with responsibility for  Learning Services, Children and Young People’s Partnership said: “The apprentices have done a wonderful job and have really contributed fully to the project. We hope this experience has given them skills and abilities they will be able to use throughout their career, and that they will continue to realise their ambitions in whatever trades they have chosen to follow.”

The apprentices ranged from 17 to 25 years of age the majority of which were from Coleg Ceredigion, with some coming from Coleg y Cymoedd and Swansea College. Five of the local apprentices are employed by the Cyfle shared apprenticeship scheme, and will continue their programme of learning at a local college or Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training in addition to working on different construction projects.

Mr Harris adds: “The apprentices may not be fully qualified when leaving this project, but they will have significantly expanded their on-site experience, and the training received on this project will contribute to their overall training programme.”

The majority of apprentices have been employed by sub-contractors such as Sangwin Group and Courtcraft, who were  employed by Willmott Dixon whilst working on site. When the project is complete the apprentices will continue to work for that contractor on a different construction project. Ronan Templeton, a 17 year old who came to Ysgol Bro Teifi on work experience as a plumber, has gained a four year apprenticeship with the mechanical contractor FP Hurleys.

The building’s unique design allow various elements of the school to be utilised as a community facility out of school hours. In addition to the general teaching spaces, facilities that will be available to the community include the Main Hall and Stage, drama facilities and catering facilities, which could provide the perfect setting for Eisteddfodau, drama productions and other community events.

Ysgol Bro Teifi will bring together Ysgol Aberbanc, Ysgol Coedybryn, Ysgol Llandysul, Ysgol Pontsian and Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi. The facility will incorporate capacity of 678 Secondary School pupils and 360 primary School pupils; an Integrated Children’s Centre, linked to the Nursery, with a capacity of 30 pupils; a four court sports hall, fitness suite and associated storage and changing facilities; and external sports facilities, including a full size 2G. floodlit, all-weather sports pitch.

Ysgol Bro Teifi Open Evening for the public will be held on Wednesday, 29 June 2016 between 4pm and 8pm.