Education

Today’s lesson – a talk from rugby legend Jonathan Davies!

Published

3 years ago

13th May 2021

Editor

Former Wales Rugby Union and League star turned TV pundit Jonathan Davies was at Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur this week to answer questions about his long career both on and off the pitch.

Jonathan is a Director of Port Talbot based Building and Civil Engineers Andrew Scott Ltd which is currently working on Phase Three of the redevelopment of Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur.

As part of its commitment to the Welsh Government’s 21^st Century Schools community benefits engagement requirements, the company arranged for the star to be at the school on Monday (10^th May) to take part in “The Ystalyfera Jonathan Show”.

The show, among other things, entailed a Welsh and English medium Question and Answer session in which pupils quizzed Jonathan about his sporting achievements along with his rugby punditry and other work he has done after his playing days came to an end.

The show also involved a careers chat with pupils, encouraging them to think about a career in construction.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Leisure and Skills, Cllr Peter Rees, said: “We were pleased to welcome Jonathan to Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur on Monday as part of the work being done at the school by Andrew Scott Ltd.

“It is one of the many 21st Century Schools building projects the council has commissioned with the aim of giving our young people the best and most up to date educational facilities the council can possibly provide them with.”

The total investment to date (Bands A and B) under the 21st Century Schools programme in modernising Neath Port Talbot’s school estate has now reached £150m – a massive investment in Neath Port Talbot’s next generations and the biggest of any council in Wales outside of Cardiff.

The 21st Century Schools programme is a collaboration between the Welsh Government and local councils in Wales. It is a significant, long-term and strategic capital investment programme with the aim of creating a generation of 21st Century Schools in Wales.

Mark Bowen, Managing Director at Andrew Scott Ltd said: “The importance of the 21st Century Schools programme for both employment opportunities in local construction companies, as well as supporting our full-time apprenticeships is invaluable for us to play our part in helping these growing local communities to be sustainable and thrive.”

“It’s vital that our Local Authorities and the framework continue to proactively invest in their schools and show confidence in their Welsh Contractors. Jonathan has been a great asset to the company and is able to demonstrate to the students how to transfer skills from the pitch to the boardroom.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)