College and construction firm cement partnership with new work placement programme

COLEG CAMBRIA and Read Construction are laying the foundations for future generations of workers in the building sector.

The award-winning Wrexham-based developer has supported the first cohort of BTEC Level 3 Technical Construction and Built Environment learners as part of its Placement Enhanced Programme, funded via the Welsh Government’s Innovation Fund.

Among them were Lois Jones and Josh Jones, who spent time on the college’s £10m Llysfasi development and at Read’s headquarters over a period of months.

Lois, from Wrexham, says the experience confirmed her future lies in the construction industry.

“My dad works in the plastering trade, so I’ve grown up in that world and always been around it,” said the 17 year-old former St Joseph’s High School pupil, who last year won a gold award for Enterprise at Skills Competition Wales.

“I wanted to follow in his footsteps and after achieving a Level 2 and now a Level 3 at Bersham Road, I know this is what I want to do with my career.

“My aim now is to try and secure an apprenticeship in design or architecture, as that’s where I see myself.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute, it’s has been brilliant to see the different aspects of how construction works, and how the company operates, so I’m really thankful to Coleg Cambria and Read Construction for the opportunity.”

Read Construction’s Improvement and Engagement Manager Kasia Williamson said they were “delighted” to have supported the initial trial of the Placement Enhanced Programme and have plans to welcome new learners from Cambria this year.

“At Read, we believe it is important to provide a platform that will inspire the next generation of workers and support people in their transition from education into the world of work,” she added.

“Opportunities like this ensure students are best placed to start their careers, whilst also addressing the skills shortage.

“It was fantastic to have Lois and Josh join the Read team for their placements as part of this new programme, and we are looking forward to welcoming more students in the future.”

Backed with more than £5.9m from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the new Llysfasi development will include a state-of-the-art, 1095 square metre carbon-neutral education complex complete with classroom and meeting spaces, a coffee shop, HE centre, wellbeing hub and more.