Contractors building police base train the engineers of the future

School children in Abergavenny have been taking on the role of engineers for the day.

Staff from Willmott Dixon, the company building Abergavenny's new police facility, worked with pupils at Llanfoist Fawr and Llanvihangel Crucorney primary schools to design and build giant tetrahedrons – triangular pyramids. 

Nicola Millard, from Willmott Dixon, said: “It was fantastic to see the children really enjoying the sessions, getting hands on and having lots of fun.

“When we undertake a project at Willmott Dixon, as part of our social value commitment we visit local schools and give children a chance to learn new skills from members of our experienced team. We recognise the importance of giving something back to the community and hopefully some of these children will go on to become the engineers of the future.”

The children had to use science, technology and maths skills to complete the project, which are all crucial for a career in engineering.

The executive head teacher for both schools, Stewart Davies, welcomed the visit. He said: “The sessions were really engaging and the pupils took part with great enthusiasm. Everyone embraced the challenge of creating the tetrahedrons, learning valuable lessons about team work and leadership during the day.”

The new Gwent Police facility in Llanfoist is due to open in spring 2024 and will house neighbourhood policing and response teams.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “The workshops are a great way for children to have fun, learn crucial skills, and will hopefully plant a seed that will see some of these children go on to have a successful career in engineering.

"I am really pleased that we are delivering this new facility and the workshops are a perfect way to involve the youngest members of the community in the project."