Four young people have been given the opportunity to experience work within the Barcud Group this summer as part of a project led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre team, in partnership with the apprenticeships team at Cyfle.
The co-ordinated work placement project is for people aged 16-24 living in Ceredigion who are interested in experiencing what it’s like to work in the construction sector. The placements are open to people who may not have considered construction as a career option. This is their opportunity to explore construction through a two-week work placement this summer with local companies, including Barcud Group, in either a trade or technical professional role.
The Inspire to Build project has been developed to highlight the wide-ranging careers that the built environment has to offer. These include trade professions such as carpentry. bricklaying and plastering as well as technical professional roles such as architectural technology, construction management and quantity surveying.
Jason Jones, Chief Executive of Barcud Group, said, “It is great to see the Inspire to Build project formally launched and progressing well. Barcud Group are delighted to be part of this initiative for young people and we are pleased to be able to offer a commitment to supporting four trade apprenticeship work experience placements. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the project from both the trade and technical/professional perspectives.”
Inspire to Build is offering 16 placements this summer up until early August, divided between technical professional and trade roles. Those interested could be working on a construction site learning what a carpenter, bricklayer or electrician does for a living or shadowing an architectural technologist or construction manager going about their day to day work. The placement will also enable the individual to learn about the connections between the different roles within the industry and the changing nature of construction, including the importance of embedding sustainability and net zero throughout our built environment. Full details of the project are available here: https://cwic.wales/inspire-to-build-work-placements-in-ceredigion/
The trade placements have now been filled for this summer but if you would like to know what a technical professional role in the sector is like there are still a couple of placements available between now and 14 August. Telephone: 01792 481 273 or email: julie.evans@uwtsd.ac.uk
The Barcud group is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce. Barcud group comprises Barcud Housing Association, together with Care and Repair in Powys, the Care Society and EOM and has its own apprenticeship opportunities for those looking to learn whilst working.
As a subsidiary of the Barcud Group, EOM offers a wide range of services in mid and west Wales such as electrical contracting, data works, suspended ceilings, inspection and testing, fire alarm and emergency lighting work. EOM has helped 13 apprentices over the past five years to develop skills and knowledge by introducing them to a busy workplace. The apprentices have learnt about particular trade skills, as well as how to conduct themselves professionally and become building professionals in their own right.
Marshall Owen is pictured, he joined EOM as an apprentice in 2021 and has progressed really well thanks to his hard work, dedication and commitment. Marshall has passed his AM2 qualification and his NVQ3 in installing electro technical systems and equipment.