A CONSTRUCTION business is helping pupils to build a career in the industry with the launch of a new academy.

A team from SWG Construction visited Llanfyllin High School shortly before the schools’ coronavirus shutdown to outline the scheme.

It will see SWG team up with the school to establish the academy, which will work towards a GCSE qualification, and if the project proves a success it will be rolled out to other schools.

Jacqui Gough of SWG Construction said: “This is a new project for the company and one aimed at giving students at Llanfyllin High School the best start in their hopes and dreams of entering the construction industry.

“A colleague and I went into school and spoke with Year 9 pupils about the SWG Academy – an exciting scheme to provide a route for youngsters into the field of construction.

“We went along to a school assembly to talk about the wide range of opportunities which exist in the industry, the pathways to employment and to explain more about the new GCSE option, Construction and the Built Environment.”

She added: “Our visit happened shortly before the schools’ shutdown but we have been able to set up the framework with the school and there was a lot of interest shown in our academy partnership.

“It means that when the schools open again we will be in a position to get the programme up and running.

“The new GCSE subject is a groundbreaking initiative where pupils will do classroom-based activities, practical assessments and site-based activities delivered between the school and SWG Academy.

“SWG takes its place in the local community very seriously and we are always keen to get involved in any way we can.”

“If it turns out to be successful, we hope to roll the scheme out to other secondary schools in the future. It’s an exciting project and one we hope will benefit both local children in their chosen career path and SWG Construction.”