Sixteen young people are gaining first-hand experience of the construction industry this summer through Inspire to Build, a collaborative project designed to showcase the range of careers available across Ceredigion’s built environment sector.
The project reached an important point of reflection with a celebration event at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Lampeter campus, where participants shared their experiences, took part in practical workshops, and heard from industry representatives.
Inspire to Build involves UWTSD’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC), Cyfle Building Skills, Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales, local employers, and housing organisations. It is aimed at young people aged 16-24, particularly those who may not previously have considered construction as a career.
Participants undertake two-week placements with local companies, gaining experience in trade and technical roles including carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, architectural technology, construction management, and quantity surveying.
The Lampeter event included practical ‘Not Business As Usual’ workshops exploring airtightness, sustainable materials, digital surveying, and thermography. Participants also received certificates recognising their involvement in the project so far.
Gareth Evans, Head of CWIC at UWTSD, said:
“Inspire to Build gives young people the chance to see what construction looks like today, experience real workplaces and discover careers they may not have known existed.
“What makes the project particularly valuable is the partnership behind it. Employers, housing organisations, training providers, and education are all playing a part in creating stronger pathways into the industry.”
For Shanen Flynn, a placement with DB3 Group has confirmed her ambition to pursue a career in architecture.
“The two weeks of work experience with DB3 were a fantastic opportunity and have confirmed my ambition to pursue a career in architecture. I learned so much and gained a much better understanding of the industry,” she said.
Sixteen-year-old Jac Evans spent his placement with Barcud Housing Association, gaining experience in plumbing and electrical work.
“I really enjoyed it and gained some good practical experience. It’s definitely made me consider taking up a trade as a career. I’m still deciding between plumbing and electrical work, but it’s been a great opportunity,” he said.
Jac, who will begin studying at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig campus in September, has also represented Ceredigion Schoolboys and played for the Scarlets under-16s West side.
His father, Wynne Evans, said the placement had helped Jac think more clearly about his future.
“After spending time with Barcud and trying plumbing and electrical work, he came home saying, ‘Dad, I really like that.’ It’s been great to see him enjoy it and come away with a much clearer idea of what he might want to do.”
Siobhan Maderson, Innovation Manager for Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales, said the project had highlighted the breadth of skills needed across the construction sector.
“This pilot was designed to raise awareness and create opportunities for young people to see the different skills needed to build and maintain homes, from design and quantity surveying to carpentry, plumbing, and electrical engineering.
“We’ve had great feedback from the students and companies, showing that young people are keen to take up opportunities and contribute to their communities and Wales’s economy.”
The technical placements are being supported by DB3 Group, Castlemead Group, Harries Planning Design Management (HPDM), Wales & West Housing Association and Barcud Housing Association, while Andrew Scott and Barcud are supporting trade placements.
Gareth Thomas, Senior Architect at DB3 Group, said the company had enjoyed having Shanen on placement.
“We gave Shanen the task of designing a small self-contained artist’s studio on a sloping site overlooking Aberystwyth. She developed her ideas through sketches and a scale model, taking account of the site, views, and orientation.
“She took to the task with enthusiasm and energy, and we were very impressed with what she achieved in such a short time.”
