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 six month programme involves Year 10 pupils in a series of fortnightly talks and site visits to our mixed tenure housing development at Bryn Caerau, Cardiff. Please click here to read more about Bryn Caerau.

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 pupils have completed a full week of work experience at the Bryn Caerau site and two have contacted sub-contractors with a view to negotiating apprenticeships in bricklaying.