Halfway School is the proud owner of two child-friendly picnic table and bench sets, thanks to a group of budding carpenters.
Men and women who have been taking part in a unique construction taster project visited the school to hand over the furniture sets for the school playground.
The bench sets were built as part of a carpentry session on the Building Your Own Future In Sir Gar project, which is currently being rolled out to Communities First areas in the county.
The project aims to give people living in deprived areas the chance to learn some basic DIY skills, build confidence and to encourage them in to further college-based training.
Over a period of four weeks they are taught the basics of carpentry, plumbing, tiling, plastering, and painting and decorating.
Members taking part with Felinfoel and Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First groups have been amongst the first to complete the course, which culminated in the presentation of their hand-made bench sets to the local school, as well as a visit to a building site and a college information session.
It is hoped many of those who took part will now consider training in the construction trade, thereby choosing a new future for themselves and bolstering the local workforce.
One of those who took part was Emmaline Rose. She said: “I really enjoyed the course, and making the bench. I think that this is an excellent opportunity for people to learn new skills. I will definitely be using the skills learnt and will be trying to make a bench for my own garden.”
Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar is a partnership project led by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL) and Communities First.
It has been funded by a Swansea Bay Deprived Area Funding (DAF) grant award.
Phil Lumley, Head of Property Services, said: “We’ve had very positive feedback from those that have completed the first block of courses. Giving people the opportunity to learn some hands-on skills in construction will not only provide them with basic knowledge to carry out odd jobs around the home, but may also give them the incentive to learn more and possibly think about a career in the building trade.”
The course has now moved on to the Bigyn and Llwynhendy areas, and will be arriving at Pantyffynon and Upper Brynamman, Ammanford, in the New Year.
If you live in one of these Communities First wards and would like further information about joining a course, call 01554 748630.
