Pembrokeshire College celebrated the success of construction students at the Technology, Construction and Design Awards recently. Principal, Mr. Glyn Jones. commented: "Our philosophy is to guide our students to successful outcomes and prepare them for employment. These awards are to recognise individual achievement and present employers with skilled professionals."
College to meet Welsh Assembly challenges
The Welsh Assembly Government has set challenges to learning providers to work closely with local employers in order to meet industry standards. The recent restructure at the college was instrumental to meeting this. The Grade 1 (2007 Estyn inspection) School of Construction will deliver expert training at the college's new £3.2m, state of the art construction centre from September. This new environmentally friendly construction centre was the first further education development in England and Wales to be given an excellent BREEAM rating and was named best building in the Bespoke BREEAM category in March. "The new build is impressive, its unique environment will provide the best facilities for acquiring skills for the construction industry," said Steve Jones, director of estates.
A first class reputation
The guest speaker at the ceremony, Rob Davies, construction skills training manager for Wales, spoke favourably on the success of the college apprenticeship programmes. "The college has a first class reputation in Wales for providing industry with the cream of the crop," he said. Mr. Davies also spoke positively on predictions for growth in the sector, stating that research showed that the market and attitudes to skills were changing. "There are plenty of unqualified people who work in the industry, however, in order to address new technologies, employers are recognising a need for high level professionals and that is where the shortage lies," he stated. "Although the current climate is a little unsettling, the sector is still worth a staggering £3.2 billion and future trends are leaning towards the public housing sector, repair maintenance refurbishment and sustainability, to name but a few. In his final statement, Mr. Davies stressed that "if you are qualified in the sector, the future is far from bleak!" A career not just for the boys!
This year the Electrical Student of the Year award went to two sisters. Rosie,19, and Heather, 20, are the only females on their course and were commended by their tutors. "We have proved to the boys that we can do it - as well as them, even with our lipstick on!" said Heather. "I am looking forward to becoming a sparkette," enthused Rosie. To find out more about Pembrokeshire College construction and design courses, call admissions on 0800 716236 or visit http://www.pembs.ac.uk/">www.pembs.ac.uk/ construction
Categories and winners
Architecture Technology - Andrew Jones; Brickwork - Rhys Davies; Carpentry and Joinery - Rhydian Williams; Electrical - Heather Stott, Rosie Stott; Pre Foundation Award- Aaron Pullin; Welsh Baccalaureate - Gareth Flyn; Apprentice of the Year - Graham Price; Plumber of the Year - Daniel Davies; Technician of the Year - Sam Heffernan; Construction Skills Student of the Year - Graham Price; Most Improved Student of the Year - Tyrone Erasmus