Aspiring construction worker Sebastian McClean has been building the foundations of his career on a major Wynne Construction project.
Thanks to a strategic partnership between the Denbighshire-based firm and North Wales training provider COPA, the 19-year-old has undertaken a 10-week placement at the £15.8m Llandudno Hospital build.
From manning three gates to gathering necessary tools and equipment, Sebastian has gained more than 350 hours of vital hands-on experience as part of the role.
The initiative forms part of the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales scheme, which aims to help youngsters not in education, training, or employment, (NEET) enhance their skills.
Having qualified as a plasterer from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Rhos-on-Sea campus, Sebestian initially put his talents to use on the Llandudno Hospital project last October and has since returned as a trainee site operator.
Speaking about his experience, he said: “The opportunity to work on a live build has been great, and I’ve really enjoyed the practical way of learning the placement has offered me.
“My favourite part of the role has definitely been the general labour tasks where I’ve strengthened my teamwork skills by cooperating with my colleagues to keep things running smoothly.
“Overall, the support from everyone has been great and I enjoy the chance I get to talk about what went well and what needs improving during our daily team meetings.”
Wynne Construction site manager Dafydd Williams has praised the Llandudno local’s performance and enthusiasm, saying: “He has been a great addition to the team and appears to have really settled in. He is working well alongside our more experienced labourers, who he can learn from.
“As it’s a live site with around 40-50 people working on it, Seb also plays an important role managing the gates to ensure access is granted when necessary, and he has done an excellent job.”
Wynne Construction social value manager Natasha Pryce added: “Welcoming young talent into the construction industry is a passion of ours, so seeing Seb build his skills and experience on a major project like this has been fantastic.
“I believe working alongside COPA to deliver this placement has provided him with invaluable insight into a how a live site operates, and ultimately what tasks he enjoys so he can make an informed decision when pursuing a career in construction.”
Wynne Construction operates throughout Wales and the North West of England, and regularly leads on projects in sectors including education, social housing, healthcare, and sport and leisure.
The company is also on the North Wales Construction Partnership (NWCP), Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework, the South-East and mid-Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP3) and the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework (SSWRCF).
