Redrow helps build a future for Mid-Glamorgan teenagers

Tue, Aug 26th 2008, 16:15

A group of Pontypridd students left their textbooks and desks behind for the day to gain ‘real-life’ construction experience at a Redrow housing development.

The pupils, studying for a BTEC in construction at Pontypridd High School, visited the housebuilder’s Three Oaks development in Aberdare, where 191 new homes are being built. The 16-years-olds were looking to gain valuable on-site experience as part of the 14-19 vocational pathways course.

Angela Parry, vocation support manager for the Mid Glamorgan Education Business Partnership, set up the visit. “We are very grateful to Redrow for enabling the students to have this tremendous experience and providing input from an industry perspective,” she said.

“There are many aspects of the construction course that cannot be taught in the classroom, which is why these visits are a vital aid to learning. The students get to see the real thing and observe the building process through all its various stages - from laying the foundations right through to the finished article. That experience can’t be relayed in the classroom.”

Peter Shergold, construction director for Redrow Homes (South Wales), said: “We believe it’s important to help the next generation of construction workers to develop their skills.

“They are the future of our workforce and for them to see how we work on site will help them to gain a more in depth knowledge of the methods we use. The students all showed a keen interest in the building process and we hope they enjoyed the experience.”

Redrow has hosted a number of educational visits at Three Oaks and at several of its other sites across South Wales.

The company also operates an on-line learning resource, the Redrow Learning Web, with modules for both primary and secondary school pupils that meet with National Curriculum requirements. It can be accessed at www.education.redrow.co.uk.

For Three Oaks sales information call 01685 886402 or log on to www.redrow.co.uk/houses/view_by_development/65.