Following the successful completion of our Cwm Rheidol Blow Out Protection project, Walters, working alongside The Mining Remediation Authority previously The Coal Authority) and Arcadis, on behalf of NRW, have donated their tool shed to Ysgol Penllwyn so that they can convert it into a wood workshop for the children.

Our Contracts Manager, Carl Jones, said that, "it was a delight seeing the children learning how to use the tools. This creative space will help the children to learn new skills and explore their interests in woodworking and hopefully inspire the next generation of trades persons and engineers alike. A special thank you to Bethan, and Ysgol Penllwyn for pushing the boundaries of education in an innovative way that will no doubt help solve the skills gap in the construction industry. We need more teachers and schools like you! Diolch yn fawr iawn."

Bethan Evans a teacher from Ysgol Penllwyn said:
"This excellent shed has allowed us to fulfil our dreams of having a workshop on our school site! The children are gaining the experience of developing lifelong skills in a safe environment. They have tools that are always stored safely and the support of adults to ensure all sorts of creations! Our older children have taken the role of monitors and are always at hand to assist the younger pupils to use the tools safely and to support them with ideas. As a teacher, I'm also seeing the benefits for children's self-esteem, they are developing their teamwork skills as well as enjoying the time to explore their creations. The workshop allows us time to discuss and talk about the things that are important to them, they are using their maths skills when measuring and problem solving, they are strengthening their hand/ eye coordination, and it also develops their creative ideas. We are hoping to see some of our pupils taking these skills with them and becoming carpenters/engineers of our future!”