Young people aged 16–24 living in Ceredigion have been offered a short, practical route into the construction industry this summer through the Inspire to Build programme, led by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre in partnership with Cyfle’s apprenticeships team.
What the placements involve
The scheme provides a two-week work placement with local firms, including four placements available specifically with the Barcud Group. Placements are split between trade roles — such as carpentry, bricklaying and plastering — and technical or professional roles such as architectural technology, construction management and quantity surveying.
Organisers say the opportunities are intended for young people who may not previously have considered the sector and to show how different jobs connect across projects, including the increasing emphasis on sustainability and embedding net zero principles in the built environment.
Local employers and support
Barcud Group has committed to take on four trade apprenticeship work-experience placements as part of the scheme. The company’s chief executive commented on the launch and the group’s involvement:
"It is great to see the Inspire to Build project formally launched and progressing well. Barcud Group are delighted to be part of this initiative for young people and we are pleased to be able to offer a commitment to supporting four trade apprenticeship work experience placements. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the project from both the trade and technical/professional perspectives."
Scale and practical details
In total, 16 placements are available this summer, running up until early August. Those taking part may find themselves:
- working on site with tradespeople to learn hands-on skills;
- shadowing an architectural technologist or construction manager to understand professional practice;
- observing how sustainability and low-carbon measures are applied in construction projects.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age range | 16–24 |
| Total placements | 16 |
| Placements with Barcud Group | 4 (trade apprenticeship experience) |
| Duration | Two weeks (summer, until early August) |
Why this matters locally
Construction remains a key employer across the county, and short placements can influence career choices by exposing young people to both practical and technical routes. For employers, the project offers an opportunity to present modern construction as a sector where trades and professional roles work together — and where environmental standards are increasingly central to projects.
Full details of the project and how to apply were published by the organisers; prospective participants should consult the official project page for specific application steps and deadlines.
The placement programme is a collaboration between the university’s Construction Wales Innovation Centre and Cyfle’s apprenticeships team and represents one of a number of local initiatives seeking to address skills shortages while widening access to apprenticeship pathways.
