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.

High School pupils who study Hair & Beauty at Coleg Powys through the 14-16 futures programme recently took part in a Nail Art competition, which was held at the Newtown site.

Quality Manager of the Powys 14-19 Network Nici Jones judged the competition and presented the winners, Kelly Breese from Llanidloes High School and Dani Sexton from John Beddoes High School, with a maincure set of products and equipment. Nici Jones said: “There were some excellent entries in the competition.  This programme offers pupils a fantastic opportunity to get ahead with skills and experience before they reach 16.”

The Powys futures programme enables 14-16 year olds across the county to study additional vocational subjects. The programme is in its third year and currently offers courses in Hair & Beauty, Motor Vehicle and Construction. The range of subjects is planned to expand to include Engineering, Equine, Agriculture, Creative Media and Catering.