The major investment in a new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) School in Clydach Vale is not only providing a first-class education facility – it’s also giving local people employment and training opportunities in the construction sector, thanks to work in the community by the Council’s appointed construction contractor Morgan Sindall Construction.
Keenan Moulding, who is originally from Penrhys and now lives in Maerdy, has recently been supported to achieve his Construction Skills Certification Scheme card (CSCS) – which is the recognised UK construction industry qualification. He has since been employed as a labourer on the ALN school development by Morgan Sindall’s groundworks subcontractor Smiths Groundworks.
The 24-year-old was one of 11 local people to participate in an employability project in Penrhys, which was coordinated by Blue Water Recruitment and supported by Morgan Sindall, Trivallis and the RCT Communities for Work team. The project provided key employability support through training, skills development and pathways to future careers.
Keenan talked about how he got involved in the training, and how it led to his current role. He said: “I’d worked in a factory before but was laid off, and I was thinking about getting my CSCS card. I was put in touch with the people at Penrhys, and ended up doing the full course and getting my CSCS card. It was great – the tutor was a nice guy and gave lots of support.
“After I’d finished that, one of the people from Blue Water, Anna, got in touch with Morgan Sindall. She said I was willing to come up here to work and that I was local. That’s when the subcontractor Smith’s ended up hiring me.”
Keenan added that getting support to achieve the CSCS qualification was really important, and that it has now opened new doors for him in the industry.
He added: “It’s great to be working on this local project – it’s about 15-20 minutes from where I live. Everyone on the project is nice to get along with. When it all finishes, whatever happens next, I will have my first experience and job in the construction industry and this will serve me well for the future.”
In addition to the Penrhys project, Morgan Sindall has delivered a range of engagement activities with young people, including at Ysgol Hen Felin – by providing construction-themed learning sessions, career insights, and practical experiences. The contractor is also working with Cambrian Village Trust on community initiatives that support health, wellbeing and inclusion.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, said: “Whenever we develop a major investment project for one of our schools, an important part of the wider construction process is looking at how we can undertake positive, community-based engagement or other benefits, in partnership with our appointed contractors. This can range from commissioning local companies for elements of the development, to educational visits in local schools, and delivering skills and training programmes to support people into work.
“It’s therefore fantastic to hear Keenan’s story, where he found support from the employability project in Penrhys at a time where his previous employment had come to an end. The project was supported by our contractor Morgan Sindall, and gave him the industry training and accreditation for a construction role. His first job in the industry then came with the new ALN school we’re building in Clydach Vale. Well done to Keenan for your effort and dedication!”
Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, added:“Seeing young people like Keenan take their first steps into the construction industry shows exactly why our work in local communities is so important. The new ALN school in Clydach Vale is not only creating an exceptional learning environment, but also meaningful opportunities for local people to build skills, confidence, and long-term careers. We’re incredibly proud of how Keenan has embraced this training and his new role with Smiths, and we couldn’t be more delighted to have played a part in helping him begin his career in construction.”
The new 3-19 ALN school in Clydach Vale is one of nine exciting school investment projects being developed for delivery in 2026 and beyond. This is part of a £414 million funding commitment made by the Council. Find out more about our past, present, and future projects via our dedicated webpage.
The new school will provide English Medium ALN facilities for 176 pupils, in a modern two-storey building. It is being built on the former Pavilions site, and is designed to meet ‘Net Zero’ Carbon in Operation standards. There will be 23 classrooms plus a hydrotherapy pool, wellbeing centre, and outdoor learning and play areas. A 79-space car park will be included within the site.
Parents and carers of children with ALN in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who live within the catchment area of the new school, can contact us to find out more about eligibility. Please visit our website or email alnas@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Posted on 27/11/2025