Projects

Cardiff Pupil Referral Units

Completed: 2023
Location: Cardiff
Region: Wales
Other local partners: Cardiff Council, Centregreat

About the project

Working in partnership with Cardiff Council and construction contractor Centregreat, we’ve played a part in the Cardiff Commitment to help boost ambition and skills in young people across three Pupil Referral Units and Special Schools, according to the needs and opportunities within industries, like construction, on their doorstep in Wales.

Their ambition is to provide sustained work experience opportunities and engagement with employers, over and above ad hoc visits and interactions. We delivered short workshops at three schools, Greenhill School, Gabalfa Community School and Bryn y Deryn and the Carnegie Centre, supporting students who may have struggled in mainstream education through behaviour, special educational needs and/or experienced trauma in their lives.

15+ students were supported by a VIY Lead Mentor to learn carpentry skills, in order to build wooden furniture to improve their own school environment, and boost their learning/aspirations outside of mainstream education.

All materials were donated by Travis Perkins Cardiff South.

One student said:

“I initially thought today was going to be stupid and a waste of my time. Now I’ve made the bench I’m thinking it was 100% worth my time. I have actually learnt something new. Today has given me purpose and I’ve socialised too.”

Others told us:

“I really enjoyed it. Learn to cut the wood was the best part and I got better at it”, “I really liked putting all the bits together with the screwdriver and seeing it turn into a proper thing” and “I would like to do more of this kind of stuff.”

Ian Priday, Teacher at Bryn y Deryn and the Carnegie Centre, Cardiff, said:

“Alan was first rate – absolutely excellent with the learners, and they all appreciated his efforts and patience – there were lots of ‘thank yous’ at the end of the day, which isn’t always the case!!”

See what this hands-on work experience means to Greenhill School

I’ve managed to have a new work experience which has made me really happy because it was fun. Camron, Student, February 2023
I really enjoyed it because I learned a new skill of not giving up. I enjoyed team work and the social aspect of working in a team. Lestyn, Student, February 2023
It was enjoyable and fun because I had a really good experience doing woodwork within a team. Imran helped me learn more than I normally would and he’s good company. Jamie, Student, February 2023
I initially thought today was going to be stupid and a waste of my time. Now I've made the bench I'm thinking it was 100% worth my time. I have actually learnt something new. Today has given me purpose and I've socialised too. Wesley, Student, February 2023
Alan was really helpful when I needed help and he let me try things that I hadn't done before Student, Bryn y Deryn, February 2024