11/2/2020

Two former pupils from Fitzalan High School have secured employment with Kier, the contractor chosen to deliver the brand new school which will replace the existing Fitzalan High School, in the Canton area of the city.

Kaya Emmanuel and Jayden Singh Landa have been accepted onto the Kier Degree Apprenticeship Programme, a five year course combiningwork experience and studying for a recognised BSc qualification, whilst earning a competitive salary.

Starting on site this month, the two apprenticeswill work as part of the team responsible for delivering the new build school, carrying out a variety of job roles such asquantitysurveying, construction management, business development and building information modelling (BIM).

As former pupils, their connection with the school means they will also act as ambassadors for the scheme, working with students from the school to help them learn about careers in construction and update them as the build progresses. 

Kaya and Jayden commented "We are really excited to be on the Kier foundation degree programme and have the opportunity to work on the new Fitzalan High School. The apprenticeship programme is the best of both worlds, we can earn and learn at the same time, and work on building a new school for the local community and experience other kier projects - it doesn't get better than that!

"Kier came to our school a few years ago and talked about some local projects and the construction industry and we decided to find out more. We contacted the team at Kier and both applied and successfully secured roles as a management trainee's. We are looking forward to working on the new Fitzalan High school and what's to come in the future."

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Kaya and Jayden's affiliation with Fitzalan High School makes this opportunity even more significant and I am delighted that they will contribute to the new development of their old school.

"Providing our young people with opportunities like these is a priority for Cardiff, even more so after the last year which has presented young people with new challenges and uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

"Through The Cardiff Commitment, weare bringing thepublic and private sectors together, working in partnership to connect young people to the range of employment opportunities available to them."

Jason Taylor, Operations Director at Kier Regional Building Western & Wales said; "We are thrilled to welcome Kaya and Jayden to Kier, they both have very clear talent and fantastic attitudes. Through our foundation degree programme, as previous students of the school they will support our work to deliver a new Fitzalan High School as well as having opportunities to work on other Kier sites to provide a broad range of construction experience.

"Since 2019, we have been holding careers talks with the pupils of Fitzalan High School and showcasing the range of roles and points of entry within construction. I am very proud that this resulted in two exceptional students joining our industry and supports our aim of leaving lasting legacies in areas in which we work. We are also part of the Cardiff Commitment an initiative that aims showcases the range of job opportunities available to to young people in local schools and these new apprenticeship opportunities for Kaya and Jayden really demonstrate why work experience placements are so important."

Assistant Headteacher at Fitzalan High School, Jo Kemp said: "At Fitzalan we have been working on the new school project since 2018 and to now see some of our ex pupils working on the team that will bring our vision to reality is very rewarding. Having these apprentices share their story with current pupils through the engagement opportunities that we are planning, will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of young people hoping to have successful careers within the construction industry. We are very excited to start the next phase of the development.

The new Fitzalan High School is the latest scheme to be delivered under Cardiff's £284m Band B, 21^stCentury Schools and Education Programme.

Representing a £64.3m investment in the local community, the development will see the existing Fitzalan High School replaced with a new-build 10 form entry school, accommodating up to 1,500 students between the age of 11 and 16, plus a sixth form.

The new school will offer comprehensive sports facilities including a multi-use games area, 3G pitches and a new indoor swimming pool, replacing the current pool which is already extensively used by local schools and community groups. These, and other facilities at the school will be available for public use outside school hours.  

On November 18, 2020 Cardiff Council's Planning Committee approved plans for the new school which included:

• Erection of a 3 storey high school to accommodate 1850 pupils,
•   New community swimming pool.
•   Provision of MUGAs
•   Provision of 1 3G rugby / football pitch.
• Provision of 1 3G under 16 hockey / football pitch.
•   A staff car park (47 spaces) and visitor car park (24 spaces including 8 disabled bays).

Subject to procurement, construction of the new school is expected to be completed in the 2022/2023 academic year. 

The Cardiff Commitment aims to ensure that all young people in the city eventually secure a job that enables them to reach their full potential whilst contributing to the economic growth of the city.