Pupils Face Construction Challenge

Pupils from across Pembrokeshire were given a taste of the construction industry last week.

The nine to 11 year olds attended an unique Grand Designs construction and engineering challenge in Haverfordwest.

Organised by Pembrokeshire County Council and ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, teams of schools were set the challenge of designing and setting up a Crane and a giant Tetrahedron.

"The event aimed to give pupils a practical taste of construction skills and the industry as well as develop community and business links with schools and young people," said Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

"It's a groundbreaking challenge and the only event of its kind in Wales."

Teams from 11 primary schools - Ysgol Clydau, Prendergast, Glannau Gwaun/Fishguard, Bro Ingli, St Marks, Fenton, Ysgol Wdig/Goodwick, Tenby Juniors, Lamphey, Johnston and Hubberston - took part in the challenge, which was held at Prendergast Primary School.

Prendergast won first prize for the Crane Challenge sponsored by Costain, while teams from Fenton, St Marks, Fishguard and Goodwick won awards sponsored by DDS general builders and the Federation of Master Builders for their designs.

The Giant Tetrahedron Challenge was won by teams from Johnston and Bro Ingli.

Wyn Prichard, Wales Director of ConstructionSkills said, "We are pleased to be able to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to offer this opportunity to the young people of the County.

"There is a lot of construction talent in Wales and this is a great way to capture their interest in the industry and for them to see the options open to them - as well as at the same time helping to develop their maths and communication skills."

A second Grand Designs challenge is planned for primary school pupils in January with a series of challenges for secondary school pupils also earmarked for next year.

The challenge was co-ordinated by Community Focused Schools.