Jones Bros Civil Engineering supports Bangor University’s PROFI project21st Nov 2017

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is backing a scheme that helps young people develop valuable transferable employability skills.

The Profi project, which is an experiential learning and mentoring programme, supports year 12 pupils in secondary schools across Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Conwy. Over a series of 15 weeks, pupils will attend workshops facilitated by Bangor University students to tackle issues facing their communities.

We have joined companies including Horizon, Santander, NatWest, Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and the North and Mid Wales Reaching Wider Partnership to support the project, which is now in its fifth year.

The pupils taking part in Profi test the skills and competencies they have developed throughout the 15 weeks by pitching their solution to a panel of judges in a Dragon’s Den-style event. The winning team is awarded a cash prize of £500 to implement their community project.

Kim Jones, community projects coordinator at Bangor University said: “The Profi project focuses on building confidence and developing employability skills within young people, supporting them as they rise to new challenges offering opportunities to widen horizons and raise aspirations.

“This new partnership also encourages our growth across North Wales, this year we have gone from working with seven to 11 schools and we hope to increase our reach even more.

“The Profi project also allows Pontio and the university to deepen our engagement with the local and wider community by engaging with a breadth of organisations through various networks and partnerships.”

Director Ruth James said: “Profi is a great example of how schools, universities, businesses and charities can work together to meet their objectives.

“Here at Jones Bros, we recognise the importance of continued personal development, and believe Profi gives these year 12 students a great start by building their confidence and widening their horizons.

“By giving them exposure to presentation skills, team working and problem solving, the pupils can give themselves the best chance to fulfil their potential once they leave school.

“This is our first year supporting Profi and after meeting some of the pupils at the launch earlier this month, we are excited to see how they progress over the 15 weeks.”

Founded in the 1950s and employing almost 350 people, Jones Bros has grown rapidly in the last decade. It is currently working on contracts in various sectors including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence and renewable energy projects around the UK.