A BARRY teenager has made use of initiatives to find a future career.

Jacob Nott, a year-10 pupil at Pencoedtre High School took part in Bouygues UK’s Tackle programme, which led to the keen footballer trying out for the Vale Schools rugby squad.

He has also decided he wants to work in engineering after the company – which is on phase two of building Pencoedtre High School – organised a visit to Renishaw in Miskin for the pupils.

The 14-year-old said of the visit: “The visit to Renishaw was so good. There were lots of motorbikes and machines, and a robot, and it was all very interesting. I’ve picked engineering as a subject at school now and I wasn’t really into anything like that before I took part in the programme, and now that’s what I want to do.”

Speaking about the Tackle programme – a sport engagement programme linked with essential life skills workshops – Jacob said: “To be honest, I was more into football than rugby but I was invited to take part in the Tackle programme and I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing.

“I was moved to scrum half and started getting into the flow of it. I played a game recently and was picked for Vale trials. I didn’t make the squad this time, but I was pleased to be put forward for the opportunity with only one year of playing under my belt."

The Tackle course engaged pupils at Pencoedtre High School through the delivery of workshops and practical sessions geared towards career aspirations. It gave the children the chance to develop their employability skills and develop prospects by learning through rugby values such as teamwork, respect, discipline and passion.

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Mike Baker, assistant head at Pencoedtre High School said of Jacob’s progression: “Jacob is a real asset to Pencoedtre High School. His love of engineering and construction has thrived due to the success of Tackle and he is able to demonstrate his passion in the top class facilities of our new build.

“I have been involved with Jacob as a rugby coach and I am also his maths teacher this year. He has matured into a determined young man, and I am confident he will achieve great things in his future, owing partly to the experiences that Bouygues offered him.”

Bouygues UK is currently working on the second phase of its build at Pencoedtre High School in Barry, to build its floodlit, all-weather hockey pitch, as well as grass rugby and football pitches.