Joanne O’Keefe, Community Benefits Co-ordinator and Harrison Fairclough, Community Benefits Assistant at Sacyr UK partnered with Careers Wales to deliver their mock interview programme, which provides students with practice interviews and personalised feedback to help them prepare for future employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

As part of this initiative, staff from Sacyr UK and Careers Wales visited Nantgwyn School to support Year 10 students in developing their professional interview skills and exploring potential career pathways. Students were grouped according to their career interests, with particular focus on those aspiring to pursue careers in engineering.

During the mock interview sessions, students were assessed on a range of professional competencies, including communication, presentation, confidence, completion of CVs and information sheets. Their ability to articulate their skills, ambitions, and long term career aspirations were also assessed. The interviews explored the student’s predicted grades, long-term ambitions, and the pathways needed to progress into their engineering fields.

The overall standard demonstrated by the students was highly impressive, with many displaying strong self-awareness, professionalism, and a clear understanding of their future ambitions. Several candidates stood out for their enthusiasm, confidence, and detailed knowledge of the engineering sectors they hope to pursue, alongside predicted academic achievements aligned with their career goals. 

As a result, opportunities are currently being explored for a select number of students to gain further industry exposure through potential site visits or volunteering opportunities at the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) site, helping to enhance their practical experience and support their ongoing professional development.

Joanne O’Keefe, Community Benefits Co-ordinator at Sacyr UK delivered pallets and timber materials to Penrhys Community Centre, strengthening support for the centre’s ongoing youth engagement programmes. 

The donated materials will be used in practical workshops designed to teach young people basic assembly and woodworking skills, including the construction of garden planters and benches. These hands-on activities aim to promote teamwork, confidence building, and the development of valuable practical abilities within the local community.

Following the positive response to the initial delivery, the Community Benefits Team identified an opportunity to further enhance the programme. Additional high-quality pallets and 4x4 timber were sourced directly from the project site to improve the durability and standard of the items being created by participants. This contribution will help ensure that the young people involved can work with reliable materials while gaining experience in construction and design.

The continued support reflects Sacyr’s commitment to investing in local communities and creating opportunities for youth development through sustainable, community-focused initiatives.

Joanne said: “We have enjoyed supporting this initiative as it aligns so closely with what we do every day on site, encouraging young people into the industry and seeing construction as a career path. I’ve also loved doing the multiple deliveries as I’ve got to drive in the van!”

Joanne O’Keefe and Harrison Fairclough, from Sacyr’s Community Benefits Team visited Ty Hafan Children's Hospice to review the progress of the new surrounding garden wall and to see first-hand the ongoing improvements being made to the site. 

During the visit, they were given a tour of the hospice facilities, where they gained a greater understanding of the vital support and exceptional care provided to children with life-shortening conditions and their families. 

The tour included a visit to the accommodation of the hospice, which offers families a warm and supportive environment during their stay. The team also viewed the specialist hydrotherapy facilities, including the water therapy pool, which provides therapeutic benefits, relaxation, and opportunities for enjoyment in a safe and accessible environment. In addition, they explored several family support spaces, sensory areas, and the beautifully maintained gardens that help create a peaceful and nurturing atmosphere throughout the hospice.

The main focus of the visit was to see the progress of the garden wall project, designed to enhance privacy, security, and the overall appearance of the outdoor spaces. The wall has been expertly constructed by the new Velindre Cancer Centre sub-contractors, Nelco and JG Fencing, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident throughout. Their work will contribute to a safe and attractive environment for the children, families, and staff who use the hospice’s outdoor facilities, ensuring the grounds remain a welcoming and tranquil space for all who visit Ty Hafan. SGM Waste Management also played an important role in supporting the project by efficiently removing waste, helping to keep the site clear and safe throughout the construction process.
 

Stantec and Turley, two members of the Acorn consortium worked together as part of Sacyr UK’s 100 Days volunteering initiative at Llamau in Bargoed. The day brought together six volunteers from Stantec and four volunteers from Turley, all working collaboratively to enhance the environment for both service users and staff. 

Throughout the day, volunteers focused on painting and refreshing communal areas within one of Llamau’s supported accommodation projects. Their efforts helped transform shared spaces into brighter, warmer, and more welcoming environments for young people who use the facilities every day. 

Barbara Redmore, Corporate Partnership Manager at Llamau, expressed her appreciation for the team’s contribution, commenting: 

“Wow! Thank you all so much for volunteering with us today! You were incredibly kind, positive, and dedicated in completing the task at hand and we really appreciate you giving up your time in one of our supported accommodation projects. Our young people will be thrilled to see their new-look living area, it certainly makes it a warmer and welcoming space to spend their time.” 

The initiative highlights the positive impact that collaborative volunteering can have within local communities and reflects the continued commitment of the Acorn consortium partners to supporting local social value projects that help others. 

Year 9 learners from Brynteg Comprehensive School’s Dyfodol programme recently visited the new Velindre Cancer Centre development site in Whitchurch to gain an insight into the construction industry and the progress of the new cancer centre. 

During the session, learners explored the different stages of construction, modern building methods, and the importance of sustainability within the project. Discussions also focused on careers in construction and challenging stereotypes within the industry. Students were particularly interested to learn that women currently make up only 19% of the construction workforce, while women represent 30% of the office-based team on the nVCC project. These conversations encouraged learners to think about inclusivity, teamwork, and the wide range of opportunities available within construction. 

The group also learned about sustainable materials being used on-site, including timber, hempcrete, and gabion stone, alongside the project’s environmental commitments and future plans for a living roof. 

The visit concluded with a guided walk around the site path, where learners observed construction progress first-hand and took part in interactive activities linked to construction roles, materials, and site safety. 

A particularly positive outcome from the visit involved a student named Rhys, who expressed a keen interest in repairing vacuum cleaners after speaking with members of the site team. To support his enthusiasm, the project team arranged for a broken vacuum cleaner, donated by Cleaning Team Manager Josh, to be given to Rhys so he could further develop his practical skills and interest in repairs.

Sacyr UK was nominated for the Constructing Excellence Social Impact Award 2026 for its exemplary delivery of social value through the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) project in Cardiff.  

The project has already delivered significant outcomes including: 

• Over 450 sustainable employment opportunities for individuals who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), long-term unemployed or otherwise disadvantaged.  

• More than 6,940 school pupils who have participated in STEM learning, engineering activities and career inspiration sessions. 

• The delivery of 455 hours of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training through the Community Learning Platform, supporting apprenticeships, employment and further education. 

• Supporting 40 community groups and charities through volunteering, funding and in-kind contributions.  

Sacyr has also championed diversity and inclusion with women representing 30% of the project management team, significantly above industry averages, with employees from over 14 nationalities, all contributing to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  

Innovative initiatives, including the Disability Access Academies and an Ex-Offender Employment Program have created opportunities for under-represented groups, addressing skills shortages while promoting social mobility and reducing barriers to employment. 

Working collaboratively with the Welsh Government, Velindre University NHS Trust, ACORN, supply chain partners and community stakeholders, Sacyr has implemented a comprehensive Social Value Governance Framework and IMPACT Delivery Plan to ensure social value is managed with the same discipline as health and safety, quality and program performance. 

This nomination acknowledges Sacyr's commitment to embedding social impact into every aspect of project delivery, creating lasting benefits for the local community, the workforce and wider society. 

The Community Benefits Team at Sacyr UK recently supported Cerebral Palsy Cymru in preparation for their upcoming Family Fun Fiesta. The team assisted with a variety of tasks across the centre, including setting up bunting, arranging tables and chairs, and helping to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for the families attending the event. 

During the visit, the team also had the opportunity to speak with Carwyn Williams, who shared valuable insight into the incredible work carried out by the charity to support children and families affected by cerebral palsy across Wales. It was inspiring for the team to hear more about the positive impact the organisation continues to make within the community and the dedication shown by its staff and volunteers. 

The team were delighted to see that the headquarters had recently been transformed into a vibrant and engaging space, ready to host a fun‑filled day for families. Supporting charities such as Cerebral Palsy Cymru reflects Sacyr UK’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities they work within, and the organisation is proud to have played a small part in helping this vital charity continue its fantastic work. 

Three students from Ysgol Nantgwyn in Tonypandy, Theo Summers, Mackinlie Perry, and Harvey Jones, recently visited the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) as part of the Careers Wales Mock Interview programme. 

Along with the Head of Year 10 Susie Valentine, they went along to the project site to take part in the initiative that assesses students across key professional competencies, including communication, presentation, confidence, and their ability to articulate their skills, ambitions, and career aspirations. 

All students demonstrated a strong self-awareness, professionalism, and a clear interest in pursuing careers within the construction industry. As a result, a unique, one-off opportunity was created for them to gain further industry exposure through a site visit, supporting their practical experience and ongoing development. 

Joanne O’Keefe, Community Benefits Co-ordinator, delivered a presentation on the nVCC, its environmental and social commitments and future impact on the community. Gordon and Joshua from Sacyr’s Health and Safety Team also showed the students around designated safe areas of the site. 

The students showed strong curiosity and engagement, asking questions about the construction processes, site operations, and the day-to-day role of workers on site. Of particular interest were the specialist rooms being constructed for future MRI equipment, where brickwork combined with lead lining will provide protection from radiation, demonstrating the complexity of healthcare construction. 

The group also explored areas designed to maximise natural light and incorporate elements of nature, supporting patient wellbeing, mental health and recovery, in contrast to the more enclosed environments traditionally associated with hospital settings. 

Overall, the visit was highly valuable with Theo, Mackinlie, and Harvey, all expressing genuine appreciation for the opportunity. They have already indicated their interest in returning before the project’s completion and the end of their school year. 

Members of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) team highlighted how the project is delivering one of the UK’s most sustainable cancer centres at a prestigious conference.

Two of the team highlighted the project at the European Healthcare Design conference held in London on June 15/16.

The session, “Building the UK’s greenest cancer centre: A holistic, collaborative home for future-focused healthcare”, looked at how our new home combines a modern building that delivers world-class clinical care alongside long-term flexibility, leading environmental credentials and a space that promotes the wellbeing of staff and patients.

The presentation also outlined how the nVCC marks a shift in the design and delivery of healthcare facilities and discussed the partnership between Velindre, Sacyr, and the Acorn consortium.

Find out more here: https://shorturl.at/qpWmG

The Acorn consortium, which is working with Velindre University NHS Trust to deliver our world-class new cancer centre, won the Culture and Diversity Award in this year’s Partnerships Awards on Thursday (April 30).

The award recognises outstanding achievement in creating inclusive, equitable environments that nurture diverse talent and champion meaningful initiatives across public–private partnerships.

Our nVCC is scheduled to open in spring 2027 and will transform cancer care for future generations.  The nVCC is more than just a building – it represents a step change in how cancer care is delivered and allows Velindre to transform our services.  Designed around patients and staff, it will provide more capacity, improved environments and better outcomes.

A big congratulations to all the team involved!

We wanted to let you know that the planned dismantling of one of the tower cranes on the new Velindre Cancer Centre site has been postponed due to heavy wind forecasts.

The operation to dismantle the tower crane four has been cancelled on health and safety grounds.

The two‑day operation has now been rescheduled for the weekend of June 20–21, following the same approved working hours, with the necessary Section 61 consent already in place.

We apologise for any inconvenience the rescheduled works may cause and appreciate residents’ understanding as we ensure the operation is completed safely.

We wanted to let you know that there will be an extension of working hours for specific activities on the new Velindre Cancer Centre construction.
 
Approval has been granted under Section 61 to allow an extension to working hours for specific tasks only.

 
The extended hours will apply for:
 
Mechanical and electrical service fit-out works
 
Monday to Friday from 6pm to 8pm
Saturday from 1pm to 4pm
 
External wall lifting works
 
Monday to Friday only from 6pm to 7pm
 

These extended working hours are strictly limited to the activities and times listed above. No other works will take place outside of the agreed hours.
 
The current approval is in place until Monday July 13, 2026.
 
We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of the local community while these essential works are completed.

We would like to inform local residents that formal Section 61 consent has been granted for the dismantling of Tower Crane 4 (TC4) at the new Velindre Cancer Centre site. To ensure the highest standards of Health and Safety, the dismantling works have been scheduled to take place outside normal working hours, over a weekend period. This approach removes interface risks with the daily workforce and allows the operation to be carried out within a fully controlled environment, with Health and Safety requirements essential to site safety.

The approved works will take place at the following timeframes:

• Saturday 6 June 2026: 13:00 – 18:00
• Sunday 7 June 2026: 09:30 – 18:00

Please note:

• No works will begin before 9:30am on Sunday.
• No works will continue beyond 6:00pm on either day.

These activities have been reviewed and approved under a Section 61 agreement. A Section 61 consent is issued by the local Authority to permit specific construction activities outside standard working hours while ensuring appropriate noise management and monitoring.

We appreciate that crane dismantling activities can be more noticeable than typical site works and thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding while this important stage of construction is completed.

We thank residents for their cooperation while these essential works are carried out.

Falcon Three, sub-contractors working on the new Velindre Cancer Centre, carried out its first bricklaying taster day on the nVCCs site with students from Bryn Y Deryn School and Greenhill School. 
Organised by Sacyr UK and Falcon Three, ten students from Years 10 to 12 were given the opportunity to learn the basics of bricklaying.

The students learned what bricklayers do on a real construction site, how bricklaying fits into the construction process and the different types of bricks, blocks and mortar. They were taught about health and safety, how to work safely around tools and materials, why PPE matters and safe lifting and handling techniques.

Students got hands-on with trowels, spirit levels, mortar boards, tape measures and brick jointers and they learned what each tool does and how to handle it correctly, improving their confidence and practical skills.

The highlight for students was learning how to lay bricks in a straight line, creating consistent joints and building a small section of a wall. They practiced working in pairs or small groups, supporting each other with measurements and alignment and communicating clearly to complete a task.

The workshop ended with a short talk about apprenticeships, site roles, progression routes in construction and what employers look for in young people, giving them a better understanding of whether construction would be for them in the future.

Sacyr UK took part in the Techniquest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) World of Work initiative - a two-day event designed to inspire the next generation. 

Over 500 pupils aged seven to 11, from 15 primary schools across South-East Wales attended, all eager to explore the wide range of STEM careers available.

Throughout the event, pupils engaged with employers from across the region, asking questions, discovering new ideas, and taking part in hands-on STEM activities. The aim was to spark curiosity and help young learners see themselves in future STEM roles.

Attendance for all participating schools was fully funded by The Edina Trust, whose support ensures that pupils in disadvantaged areas have access to educational experiences like this one. Their contribution played a key role in making the event both accessible and fun.

Sacyr UK was proud to be part of such an inspiring initiative, helping to create opportunities for pupils and encourage a lifelong interest in STEM. 

Sacyr UK took part in a Post-16 Built Environment Taster Day, organised by NHS Shared Services and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The event was hosted by University of South Wales in Treforest where 30 students from Merthyr and Cardiff and Vale College were shown different higher education options for studying the built environment. Students also had the opportunity to engage with employers in the construction industry. 

As part of the taster day, students were able to get involved in hands-on experiences focusing on the built environment including a measurement competition, ‘build a town’ activity, a building surveying demonstration and learning about valuation. 

The event was designed to give students an understanding of the built environment and the careers that are available in the construction industry.
 

Ashley, Ella and Jack are the first three graduates to complete the Disability Inclusion Academy and have all been interviewed for possible first jobs at the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) site. 

The Disability Inclusion Academy is a collaborative effort between Sacyr UK and the National Diversity Employment and Advisory Service (NDEAS). The initiative supports people who have been out of work due to a disability by providing opportunities for them to take a first step into a career in the construction industry.

The two-week programme invites trainees to learn the basics of the construction industry. Once completed, at least one of the trainees was guaranteed a position with Sacyr UK on the nVCC project team – even though all have been interviewed for posts.

Ashley was the first graduate to be offered a role at Sacyr UK and his mum Sarah had his to say: “Ashley struggled in school and was recently diagnosed with autism. He left with few qualifications and very little confidence. My sister heard about the academy and put me in touch with Hannah, who is on the social value team at nVCC. After a simple questionnaire, Dan from NDEAS called, shared his story, and accepted Ashley onto the programme."

“He was very nervous on his first day, but he hasn’t looked back. By day two Ashley was coming home excited about what he’d learned, talking about Dan and his new friends and by day three he was confidently catching the train on his own. For Ashley to be offered a job is wonderful as it’s on his own merits. They’ve seen his potential, and just being offered the role has boosted his confidence sky high.”

Ashley will now begin his role as Academy Support Assistant carrying out administrative tasks linked to the individual training academies. His responsibilities include managing spreadsheets and internal systems, coordinating programme information and sharing best practice across the academy.

Sacyr UK joined Women in Property and homeless charity Llamau at Cardiff City Stadium to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), representing women in construction. 

Sponsored by Principality Building Society, the event focused on this year’s IWD theme, Give to Gain - a powerful reminder that small, intentional acts of generosity can create a lasting impact.

With 95 women currently working on the construction of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), Sacyr UK recognises the importance of creating platforms where women in the industry can share their experiences and be visible role models for future generations. The event was an opportunity to celebrate achievements, share insights, and highlight the value of inclusive leadership.

The discussion explored how offering time, skills, advocacy, sponsorship or resources can create new opportunities for individuals and organisations. Speakers shared inspiring reflections on how giving has shaped their careers, opened unexpected doors, and strengthened confidence for women and girls. Together, these everyday actions help accelerate progress in female empowerment and representation across the construction industry.

Sacyr UK, the main contractor behind the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), has been supporting a Community Impact Initiative (CIC) by donating timber and plaster boards for some of its local projects. 

One of Sacyr UK’s key values is to deliver more than just buildings – but also a lasting legacy for the local communities it works alongside and partnering with local projects and charities. 

To that end, the major contractor has been supporting a Community Impact Initiative (CIC) by donating building materials, in particular timber and plaster, to help with two of the CIC’s transformative programmes: Women Construct Wales and The Sustaining a Legacy project.

Thanks to the efforts of Sacyr UK’s Community Benefits Team members Hannah Jenkins and Joanne O’Keefe, the materials will directly support hands-on learning, property regeneration, and skills development for local people.

Hannah Jenkins said: “We’re continually inspired by the work led by Abi Lewis and the wider CIC team, creating opportunities, building confidence, and delivering lasting social value that is making a real difference across the region. We are proud to offer them ongoing support with these projects and will continue to help wherever and whenever we can.”