PUPILS took a walk on the Silk Road project at a zoo to learn more about jobs in construction.

Wynne Construction is mid-way through the build of the £1m Silk Road at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, which will see a complete redesign of the zoo’s snow leopard enclosure.

Year nine pupils from Ysgol Bryn Elian, Old Colwyn, and students from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai paid a visit to the site as part of their BTEC L3 construction management studies.

Graham Dickson, Wynne contracts manager, and Matt Edwards, site manager, showed the group around and spoke about the details of the project, including plans and the challenges involved with the location of the new enclosure on the hillside.

Jennifer Jesse, administration and operations director at the zoo in Colwyn Bay, said: “Silk Road is a really interesting, unique project and presents a fairly unusual construction concept compared to more traditional sites.

"We’re incredibly exciting to see the site take shape and are pleased to be able to share progress with these aspiring students whilst helping them understand and learn more about the mechanics of a live site.”

The enclosure will represent the mountainous regions in which the endangered species live.

The enclosure offers visitors a nose to nose visual experience through glass.

Alison Hourihane, business and community development manager at Wynne Construction, said: “We work very closely with schools and colleges to educate and encourage pupils/students to have an interest in the construction sector. We are keen to support activities that may encourage girls to consider construction as a career.

"We also highlight that there are many roles within the industry and Visiting a live site can offer a different insight into the industry and also support their studies."