YOURS Pupils build knowledge
FIVE students from Willows High School have been given an insight into the world of construction after spending the afternoon with Willmott Dixon’s project team at the site of the new Splott pool and community hub.
The trip was organised by First Campus and Cardiff Metropolitan University as part of a wider project to provide development opportunities for schoolchildren, alongside the renovation of a new learning centre at Willows High School.
The five year 10 and 11 students heard first hand from Willmott Dixon site manager Huw Triggs about how the development of Splott pool and community hub is progressing, how the construction project is managed and the career opportunities that are available to young people within the industry.
Sue Marx, of Cardiff and Vale College, was also on hand to offer advice and guidance on apprenticeship schemes in construction as well as other industries.
Students had a full building tour of the construction site which is on track for completion in September. The hub will include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym and fitness suite, a new library, community and leisure rooms and a community cafe.
Dawn Manning, art & design teacher and careers lead at Willows, accompanied the students. She said: “This was a fantastic experience for our year 10 and 11 students. Many of them are starting to think about potential career paths and some have expressed an interest in construction. To have the chance to visit a major construction project within their own community and be offered information and advice from experienced professionals who have established their own careers in the industry, is invaluable.
“We are very grateful to Willmott Dixon for offering this opportunity to support our students. I know that we were all fascinated to hear how Huw is managing the project build and the opportunities that are available to our pupils to build their future careers.
“Willows High School would also like to thank First Campus and Cardiff Metropolitan University for their efforts.”