A NEW pilot venture is giving young people the chance to build on their interests and ambitions - literally.

Get into Construction is a project by the Prince's Trust Cymru to provide an insight into the work environment in the building sector.

Public relations manager for sponsors Dragon LNG, Derek Lloyd, presented certificates to the pilot participants.

He said: "This is precisely the sort of project that can help young people to take really positive steps into an industry crying out for local people."

The two-week intensive programme offers visits to construction sites and training providers, the opportunity to gain practical experience through the trust's community projects and shadowing work placements and the chance to gain first aid and health and safety qualifications through the trust and James Cooze Training and Consulting.

Various groups were involved in developing the programme including Jewsons, Focus Do It All, Talbot Timber, Texaco, Pembrokeshire College, Prestige Training and Preseli Construction.

The Trust continues to look for new ways to help young people to get the most out of the experience.

The success of the pilot programme is evident in that three participants have immediately moved on to further training in the sector.

The Prince's Trust plans to run a number of programmes throughout the year and anyone aged between 16 and 25, who is interested in working in the construction industry, can call the Prince's Trust on 01646 624766.