Virtual ‘Bridge to Schools’ events across South Wales hosted by Transport for Wales and Alun Griffiths.

An exciting partnership between Transport for Wales and Alun Griffiths will engage Welsh school pupils on activities in engineering, transport and construction.

Hosted by TfW, the pilot ‘Bridge to Schools’ events will take place virtually throughout March 2021. Delivering in the South Wales Metro area first, the sessions will be available to pupils in year 6 to 8, engaging young people with the different construction and engineering skills required to build a bridge.

During the event, Alun Griffiths will use the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Bridge to Schools to give young people the opportunity to build a miniature version of the Second Severn Crossing.

Using a 12m model cable-stayed bridge, children experience bridge building at first-hand, while wearing hard hats, high-vis vests, gloves and goggles. After the bridge has been built, each child gets the chance to walk across to test their engineering skills.

The bridge-building session is presented by an Alun Griffiths Engineers, supported by a Public Liaison Officer and the Community Engagement team from Transport for Wales.

While during the pandemic it won’t be possible to visit schools and run the session in its usual format with the pupils, TfW has made adaptations to the delivery which will enable pupils to participate virtually.

TfW is also keen to hear from schools in other areas which are interested in taking part in future events.

Lois Park, Head of Community and Stakeholder Engagement at Transport for Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be working with our Infrastructure Delivery Partners, Alun Griffiths to deliver an alternative to their already successful ‘Institution of Civil Engineers’ Bridge to Schools’. These online but participatory events will be available to pupils across South Wales and we hope large numbers are able to join us.

“Transport for Wales is growing rapidly as we prepare to deliver a number of transformative transport projects throughout Wales.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do in order to deliver a high quality, safe, integrated, affordable and accessible transport network the people of Wales are proud of, so whilst we’re building the team that will be part of this now, we also want to fire up the next generation to get excited about the opportunities in transport or engineering.

“We also want to take the opportunity to get input from young people on what they want to hear about next. Our education outreach programme is currently in development and this new partnership gives us the chance to ask how Transport for Wales should engage, inspire and improve for future generations.”

Terry Davies, Public Liaison Officer at Alun Griffiths, said: “Alun Griffiths Construction is proud to work with Transport for Wales and the opportunity to talk to young engineers and construction workers of the future is so important.

“With TFW we will show young people what engineering and construction has to offer in a fun and enjoyable way.”

You can register your interest for future sessions by contacting [email protected] Due to current COVID restrictions, this year’s events will be held online only.

Photo credit: Transport for Wales