Hands on experience as Coleg Cambria students help with school refurb project

Coleg Cambria students from Bersham Road recently helped a Wrexham school in partnership with Read Construction.

The comppany undertook a large-scale extension and refurbishment project, delivered through the 21st Century Schools programme at Ysgol Penycae CP School.

Over the past 12 months the school underwent a multi-million pound revamp – bringing the infants and junior schools together under one roof for the first time.

As the work was drawing to a close, the school contacted Reed Construction and asked them if they could make some storage sheds for the school equipment.

Ian Hughes, apprentice manager and small works manager for Read, approached the college about the project. Coleg Cambria have always had a great working relationship with Read Construction, training many of their apprentices over the years and were more than happy to get involved.

Following a site visit to get measurements and to check the area staff from the college, Edwin Young and Nigel Woods, designed some suitable items and Read sourced the materials, which were supplied at a reduced rate from Huws Gray Wrexham and Readyfix.

Level one students built storage sheds at college using the skills they have learned on the course. Once completed, a site visit was arranged to fit the sheds and timberwork.

Coleg Cambria tutor Edwin Young, said: “As an ex-student of Penycae School, I took the lead of the project and worked with students at the school while my colleague Nigel Woods transported the items to the site.

“Over two days the joinery students, including Read Construction apprentices and ex-students of Penycae, worked to fit the items. The pupils at the school, which range from ages 3 to 11 years old took a keen interest in what we were doing and came to watch us and ask questions.

“During the work, Mr Newbould the head teacher came to see us and told how impressed he was with the work and to thank us for everything we had done.”

Kasia Pugh, engagement manager at Read added: “We were delighted to deliver yet another successful school project for Wrexham Council. As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver social value through our projects, we were keen to engage with Coleg Cambria, Huws Gray and Readyfix to supply storage sheds for the school.”

Staff and students were invited to the recent grand opening the school. Also in attendance were the mayor, local councillor and local MP as well as representatives from Read Construction and members of the board of governors.