The Construction combined schools group, which consist of school pupils that come to Coleg Powys Newtown one day a week to study construction as part of the futures programme, have produced seven picnic benches for Llanidloes High School.

The project was initiated from a governors meeting at Llanidloes High School.   They wanted to put some picnic benches on their school grounds and David Jones, who is a governor but also works at the College, suggested that Coleg Powys might be able to do this.

Llanidloes High School paid for the materials and the group made the picnic benches as part of their BTEC Diploma in Construction course, under the guidance of the Construction lecturers.

The pupils that were involved in the project were from Llanidloes High School, Bro Ddyfi High School and John Beddoes High School. 

Construction technician Dennis Buttery said: “All of the group participated and enjoyed working on the project.  The Llanidloes pupils are really looking forward to seeing their work on show in the school grounds.”

The Powys futures programme enables 14-16 year olds across the county to study additional vocational subjects at Coleg Powys, including Construction, Hair & Beauty, Motor Vehicle and Business.

Anselm Grindey was recently presented with a box of top quality brushes for being awarded the Most Outstanding Decorating Student.

The brushes were donated by Newtown Decorating Centre.

Victoria Cave was also awarded with a similar prize for her achievement.

Four construction students from Coleg Powys Brecon competed in the North Wales regional event of the Skillbuild competition and two of the students were awarded third place.

Rhys Evans and Thomas Morgan competed in the brickwork section with Rhys achieving third, whilst Paul Worthington and Jordan Davies competed in carpentry with Paul also gaining third place.

Skillbuild is part of the Worldskills UK competition framework.  This regional heat was held at Coleg Menai, Llangefni.

Construction lecturer Richard Jones said: “The students did really well and showed off their skills.  This was Rhys’ second third place in a fortnight and Paul’s first ever competition.”

Rhys and Paul were presented with their certificates by the Principal of Coleg Menai, Mr Dafydd Evans.

Coleg Powys student Rhys Evans competed in the junior section of the Wales Guild of Bricklayers competition and was awarded third place.

Rhys was presented with his award by the President of the Guild of Bricklayers Mr Peter Elmes and his wife.  Mr Elmes expressed his congratulations to Rhys and said that he was a credit to Coleg Powys on gaining third place in his first ever competition.

Rhodri Boosey also competed in the senior section of the competition but was unable to get a place in the top three.

Brickwork lecturer Richard Jones said: “Both students produced work to a very high level and did extremely well in the competition.”

Both Rhys and Rhodri are studying brickwork at the Brecon site of the College whilst working as apprentices for local building firms.

Two Coleg Powys Painting and Decorating students were recently given the task of brightening up the Accountant’s office at the Newtown site.

Derek Seary, the Accountant at Coleg Powys, felt that his room needed a new lease of life, so he got the Painting and Decorating students on board to complete the task.

Vicki Cave and Rhia Howe were given the opportunity of doing this project, which would provide them with some useful experience of doing a professional job.  They had to discuss colour schemes with Derek and then paint the room.

Derek said: “I am very pleased with the job the girls have done.  The room looks so much better and it has provided the girls with some invaluable experience.”

The College is promoting Women in Industry by trying to encourage girls to join on to courses which are stereotypically seen as courses for boys. The scheme is part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s initiative for young people.