Rheon Jones (Amlwch), Joe Roberts(Llandegfan), Robat Williams (Llangwnnadl) and Byron Thorne (Holyhead)
Four young people from Gwynedd and Anglesey this week started work as part of a new scheme offering local young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience within the competitive housing and construction industry.
The Building Experience scheme is run by local housing association Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) to offer young people the opportunity to gain hands on experience giving them an insight into the number of different career opportunities within the housing and construction sector.
During their five week paid work placement at CCG, Rheon Jones from Amwlch, Byron Thorne from Holyhead, Joe Roberts from Llandegfan, Anglesey and Robat Williams from Llangwnnadl, Gwynedd will work on a number of different refurbishment projects. Gaining office and on-site training, attending workshops and training sessions as well as working on environmental projects, the four will be working on a number multi million pound projects on sites across Gwynedd.
On completing the work placement, the four will be awarded a bursary to support further educational or professional development. Working in partnership with Coleg Menai the four successful candidates were recruited following an application and interview process.
The scheme is supported by CCG’s suppliers and contractors working on the housing association £136 million refurbishment programme. Suppliers Travis Perkins and Symphony and contractors GM Jones, PH Jones, Gelli, Falconers and Evans, Wilson & Evans have contributed and are key partners in the scheme.
CCG Chief Executive, Ffrancon Williams says; “This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to develop their skills and start a career in construction. As one of the largest employers in the area it is our responsibility to ensure the community we serve benefits in every way possible from our investment in our homes. With Building Experience we are able to create opportunities for young people too. I’m delighted that CCG has been able to play a key role in bringing the partners together to make Building Experience possible.”
On his first week at CCG, 18 year old Byron Thorne from Holyhead said; “I applied for Building Experience as I was interested in the company and the scheme sounded very interesting. I hope to find work within the construction industry as either a site manager or a quantity surveyor and I think this opportunity will help me greatly in the future.”
Joe Roberts also 18 from Llandegfan said; “The work placement will hopefully give me a broader range of experience and knowledge in the construction industry do that I can apply the skills I’ve learnt in my future career.”
“Through Building Experience I hope to gain more experience in the industry which will hopefully help me decide on my next step in working life and which area of the sector I want to pursue,” says Robat Williams. “I’m looking forward mostly to working on site and seeing how the improvements have a positive effect on the residents day to day lives.”
During the first three years of the Building Experience scheme, CCG aims to offer placements to 12 young people ensuring a skilled workforce for the local housing and construction industry for future years.
