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High school pupils given insight into how to build a career in civil engineering 26th Mar 2015
Students from two North Wales high schools were given an insight into the civil engineering industry when they visited contractor Jones Bros.
Pupils from Ysgol y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay, and Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech, visited the Ruthin-based civil engineering firm and took part in three construction-related activities.
The open day, which included a tour of Jones Bros’ dedicated training centre, allowed the pupils to learn more about forging a successful career in civil engineering.
As well as a talk by Jones Bros’ health, safety, environment, quality and training manager Dave Gibson and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), apprenticeships officer, Gerallt Francis the students had the opportunity to quiz the firm’s current crop of apprentices.
Dave Gibson said: “The open day provided the students with a chance to find out more about a career in the civil engineering industry.
“It also gave them the chance to experience the kind of work we carry out on a day-to-day basis.
“Hopefully we have given them a useful insight into the steps to take to consider civil engineering as a career choice.”
Activities included taking control of a 20 tonne excavator using a heavy plant simulator and sitting in the cab of a 40 tonne dump truck to operate some of the controls.
The students were also able to watch current apprentices being put through their paces in the training yard. A total of 23 students from year 11 attended.
Jones Bros has recruited dozens of young people over several decades – employing 35 apprentices since 2010. A significant number of its apprentices are now working in more senior roles on high-profile projects across the UK.
Founded in the 1950s and employing almost 300 people, Jones Bros has grown rapidly in the last decade. It is currently working on contracts including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence and renewable energy projects around the UK.