How Cardiff Businesses Are Transforming Education Through Real-World Career Experiences

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry

Learners from Bryn y Deryn and Can y Deryn pupil referral units (PRUs) in Cardiff have participated in a series of employer visits and hands-on workshops designed to provide practical career insights. These PRUs support children and young people who cannot attend mainstream school due to health conditions, exclusion, or while awaiting a suitable school placement.

Taylor Wimpey giving pupils from y Deryn group of schools career talk and bricklaying workshop at their Cowbridge site

Facilitated by Adrian Cole, a business engagement adviser at Careers Wales, these activities offered learners exposure to diverse industries including construction, transport, fashion, beauty, and social care.

Diverse Industry Experiences

Throughout the autumn and spring terms, pupils engaged with various local employers and training providers:

• Cardiff Transport Services: Guided career tours exploring servicing and MOT facilities
• Superdrug's Beauty Studio: Makeup workshops and insights into beauty career pathways
• Taylor Wimpey: Hands-on bricklaying workshops
• Screen Alliance Wales: Career workshops on theatrical makeup and VFX
• We Care Wales and South Wales Police: Exploration of careers in care and policing
• Wales Millennium Centre: Workshops on rigging light and sound systems
• Sacyr Construction: Site tours of the new Velindre Cancer Centre construction project

Sacyr giving pupils career session & site tour of their Velindre Hospital Site

Tangible Outcomes and Future Commitments

Many learners reported discovering new career interests and gaining increased confidence about their futures. Specific outcomes include:

• One pupil applying for an apprenticeship at Cardiff Transport Services
• Another pursuing a makeup course following the Superdrug workshop
• A learner inspired to train as a plant operator after construction machinery sessions

Pupils also practiced interview skills through one-to-one mock interviews with employers, building confidence for real-life situations.

Various employers delivering speed networking sessions for pupils

Long-Term Partnership Development

Sacyr Construction has committed to becoming a Valued Partner of the y Deryn group of schools, agreeing to deliver regular site visits and hands-on workshops over the next two years. This partnership will begin with a 'Females into Construction' visit featuring interactive workshops where female pupils will hear from women working on construction sites.

speed networking sessions for pupils

Educator and Organizer Perspectives

Dominique Deacon, career teacher at Bryn y Deryn/Can y Deryn, emphasized the program's value: "Many of our learners have behavioral, emotional and social difficulties, so it's crucial we offer them valuable, practical, and real-life experiences. Careers Wales has facilitated many opportunities for our learners to access real industry."

Adrian Cole from Careers Wales noted: "Learners have engaged extremely well with employers and taken advantage of the opportunities given to them. I'm looking forward to future employer visits and developing this long-term Valued Partner relationship."

Joanne O'Keefe, community benefits coordinator for Sacyr, stated: "We are very proud to make a long-term commitment to supporting the Y Deryn group of schools. Our priority is to inform, educate and inspire pupils, showing them that construction and engineering is a viable, achievable and exciting career route."

Various employers delivering speed networking sessions for pupils

Program Reach and Impact

In 2024-25, Careers Wales delivered a bespoke employer engagement service to special schools and PRUs across Wales, supporting 197 sessions in 69 different settings. This initiative demonstrates how targeted career exposure can make a significant difference for young people facing educational challenges.

Various employers delivering speed networking sessions for pupils