In February 2007, our Western Division began a new initiative to provide the pupils of Mary Immaculate School with an ongoing programme to follow the development of a house from land purchase to occupation. The programme lasts for over six months and involves Year 10 pupils in a series of fortnightly talks and site visits to our mixed tenure housing development at Bryn Caerau, Cardiff.

Classroom sessions focus on health and safety issues and the pre construction process. Site visits allow pupils to witness and explore the build process as it happens and provide an opportunity for some on-site practical 'tasters' in levelling concrete, laying bricks, knocking in nails, etc. Pupils are also encouraged to talk with operatives, site staff and trades people to discuss the reality of site work and different professions and attend a talk from the CITB on career routes into construction.
As a result of 'The Leadbitter Experience' four of the pupils have completed a full week's work experience at the Bryn Caerau site and two are in touch with sub-contractors with a view to negotiating apprenticeships in bricklaying.

"The Leadbitter Experience has been a real eye opener for our pupils, especially for those who want to go into the construction industry as their profession. They have had a real hands-on experience during the last few months and they can really see the houses taking shape and are looking forward to seeing them complete. More of our pupils want to go into the construction industry now they have seen the 'real life'" Mr Mark Rayer, Head of Design and Technology, Mary Immaculate School, Cardiff.