An apprentice carpenter is helping to shape the future of the hospital he was born in.
Jamie Baird, 17, who lives in Graig-Y-Rhacca, was born at the Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital and is now working at the site as part of a housing and community centre scheme.
The Beeches Village housing development, when complete, will consist of 82 new homes and efforts are currently underway to raise £1 million to turn the original Beeches hospital building into a community centre.
Jamie is based on the site through the Y Prentis shared apprenticeship scheme which enables young people to complete a two-year apprenticeship programme by providing placements on South Wales construction sites. The 17-year-old will work at the Beeches Village site until May next year.
The teenager said: “This is the first time I’ve worked on an actual site so I’m learning all the time. I’ve already had the chance to carry out tasks including fitting a roof, building stud walls, hanging doors and putting in window sills.
“Having been born here and still living locally, it gives me a personal connection with the site, which is really nice.”
The building development is a partnership between housing association United Welsh and housing developer Lovell.
Lovell regional director David Gough said: “The Miners’ Hospital itself occupied a special place at the heart of the local community.
“For United Welsh and Lovell, it was essential that the building programme would carry on that tradition by creating jobs and training for local people.
“Jamie is one of a number of people born at the Miners’ Hospital now working on the new housing development and we are delighted that the scheme is providing these opportunities. We look forward to helping Jamie continue to develop his skills and career as a member of our team.”
On site, Jamie is supervised by Mark Davies of Kellaway Carpentry Services, who was also born at the Miners’ Hospital.
Why is this news?
It's the type of non-story expected in the Daily Mail.
Jean, it's a 'good news' story not one of thugs, drugs and litter. Loosen up and be happy.
By the way Jamie, good luck with your apprenticeship, don't cut corners and you'll look back on your craftsmanship in years ahead with pride.