Morganstone go ‘Back To School’ to encourage youngsters to build a future in the construction industry

The team behind the regeneration of the site of the former Merry Miller public house in Bettws have paid a visit to local school children to talk about the careers available in construction and social housing.

Construction specialist, Morganstone, which is working with Wales’ largest social landlord, Pobl Group, to develop a mix of 19 affordable homes on the site, named Old Mill Court, headed back into the classroom to chat to Year 5 and 6 pupils at Millbrook Primary School, which is close to the regeneration site.

The young people were given a presentation on the construction process and the scope of careers, both onsite and office based, in construction – whether this is in housing, commercial and industrial property, the heritage sector or civil engineering.

Pobl Group’s Project Manager on the Merry Miller development, Neil Taylor, was on hand to talk to the children about the role of housing associations and the young people were also shown enlarged versions of the winning designs from a site safety poster competition which was set when Morganstone and Pobl Group visited the school to give a site safety talk before the summer break. These will now be displayed on the Merry Miller site hoardings.

Community Engagement Manager at Morganstone, Antonia John, said: “We were delighted to be able to return to Millbrook Primary School. It is always rewarding to see the spark of interest among young people when they realise the sheer scope of careers available within Wales’ growing construction industry. Construction offers meaningful opportunities for career progression as the sector can offer roles to suit all kinds of skills. A career in construction can be both satisfying and lucrative. It is pleasing to be able to sow that seed with young people at a time when they might be considering their future careers and options.

“Here at Morganstone we are committed to serving the local communities in the areas we work so it is always a pleasure to meet people who live, work – and play – in the neighbourhoods around our developments.”

Neil Taylor, Project Manager, Pobl Group said “We were delighted to be able to revisit Millbrook School to talk to the children about the wide-ranging employment opportunities available and specific skills and qualifications needed to work in the housing sector and have hopefully whet their appetite for a future career in housing or construction. As a Group we work closely with our many development partners to create apprenticeship and training opportunities for young people wishing to pursue a career in the construction industry.”

Lindsey Watkins, Head Teacher at Millbrook Primary School, said: “The pupils really enjoyed learning about the various potential careers in the industry. We are delighted that Morganstone and Pobl Group have taken the time to visit our school and we look forward to seeing the children’s drawings on the site hoardings soon.”

Merry Miller will provide a mix of 19 affordable houses and apartments available to rent through Charter Housing, part of the Pobl Group. Work on the site is nearing completion with homes available from December 2016.