Roger Williams, Lib Dem MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, visited Gofannon Forge, a start up business in Rhayader. Gofannon Forge is a blacksmithing company, which deals in artistic, contemporary and traditional bespoke metalwork.
They create quality ironwork using both historic and modern techniques. Gofannon Forge offered the opportunity for students from NPTC Group Newtown Campus, who are involved in a product design vocational course, to gain experience as blacksmiths.
Commenting on his visit, Roger said:
“It was great to be invited to the Gofannen Forge, which is run by Nick Buchan and Tom Robinson. I was very pleased to meet such enthusiastic and talented young business people. The purpose of the day was to give students from NPTC Group Newtown Campus, a taste of blacksmithing and using new materials, such as mild steel, to produce quality ironwork.
“The two students, Ben Pike and Joe Ashley, are involved in product design vocational courses and both want to go to university in the autumn. They showed so much obvious enjoyment of being able to work with a new material and producing such beautiful quality ironwork. This visit will be followed up by further visit to the Forge and then the blacksmiths visiting the college.
“I was so pleased to see the enthusiasm and talent that these young people have and they were so grateful for the opportunity to develop new skills. In apprenticeship week I am going to encourage more businesses to take on young people, create more employment and grow businesses in Powys.”
