Wynne connects with national supplier to cement community engagement

03-Oct-2023

Wynne Construction has partnered with one of the UK’s largest building merchant chains to transform resources for young people in Powys.

The Bodelwyddan-based company, which is building the new £21m additional learning needs school Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown, is working with its supplier Jewson to donate materials so a local not-for-profit can strengthen its education programmes.

Game Change, which helps those aged 13-24 gain confidence and develop beyond the classroom, has been supported by the two businesses in updating its facilities, which provide space to teach basic mechanics, animal care, and land-based skills.

Wynne collaborated with Jewson to purchase the organisation’s entire ‘wish-list’ of materials for the improvements, which included donating £1,500 of supplies to refurbish a horse stable, providing students with more space to work independently with the animals. In addition, Wynne provided bricks to build a new pizza oven to enhance the social enterprise’s culinary workshops, allowing pupils to cook outdoors using natural ingredients grown in its garden. The firm has also committed to inviting the youngsters to site as the build progresses, in addition to organising mentorship to demonstrate what a career in the construction industry involves.

Game Change project manager Sian Roberts said: “We were astonished to find that our whole list of materials had been donated and we are grateful to Wynne for making this possible by highlighting our work to a national company like Jewson.

“Our pupils will not only benefit from the stable and outdoor oven once completed but will be heavily involved in the design and build process to help unlock their potential and strengthen skills at every opportunity. Having employers work closely to provide mentoring for our students and allowing them to see a live site will help them develop confidence and potentially inspire a career in the sector.”

Alison Hourihane, social value manager at Wynne Construction, which has also sponsored a category at the Game Change awards, said: “As many of our staff joined the company through apprenticeships, we are always eager to champion the next generation of the workforce by helping them gain practical experience. We hope by supporting Game Change and creating links between them and a national organisation, youngsters feel empowered to consider a career in the industry.”

Jewson’s North Wales and Shropshire sales executive James Sandler said: “A huge thank you is owed to the team at Wynne for connecting us with Game Change so we can support the fantastic work it is doing. Our core values are decency, passion, and pride, which we were able to reflect through contributing to local people’s education and bring their learning to life.”

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