Engineer helps design at former school

A former Ysgol y Strade pupil has helped design a new building at the school.

Steven James is now a structural engineer based in Cardiff and is part of the team working on the £8.25million scheme.

It includes a new extension plus refurbishment of the existing art, science, technology and design classroom.

Steven recently returned to the school he attended as a pupil 18 years ago to promote engineering to its current students, and to give an insight into the construction underway on the school site.

Steven of Opus International Consultants said: “It was a great privilege to return to the school where my interest in engineering began and see how my design will help create an inspirational teaching space for engineers of the future.

“After a session in the classroom, it was great to be able to show the pupils around the site for them to see the structure of their new building – a very real example of civil and structural engineering – before any cladding, mechanical or electrical items had been installed.”

Physics teacher Hilary Cotterell said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the engineering day.

“They gained an insight into engineering and also the importance of science in the world of work.

“Steven is an excellent role model for any aspiring engineer. Pupils and staff are looking forward to the opening of the new extension with its excellent facilities.”

Opus provided the civil, structural and geotechnical engineering services on the scheme to principal contractor Interserve Construction Limited as part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme.

The new school building is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Education executive board member Cllr Keith Davies said: “It is a good to see a past pupil helping current and future pupils have the kind of first class accommodation and facilities they deserve.”