AUTISTIC learners have a place to relax and unwind between lectures thanks to apprentices at a national furniture company.

Students on the Neurotech course at Coleg Cambria were presented with a sofa from Westbridge Furniture, which has sites in Deeside and Holywell and makes items for leading brands including John Lewis, Next and Marks and Spencer.

The college has a partnership with the business as part of its Level 2 Upholstery Apprenticeship programme, and the current cohort were delighted to be able to help the Neurotech group, currently working towards a BTEC qualification in Digital Technologies at the Connah’s Quay site.

Their Progress Coach Alison Hill said the donation will give them a quiet space to socialise and rest between classes, when it is safe to do so in light of Covid-19 restrictions.

“The group and I want to say a big thank you to the apprentices and everyone at Westbridge Furniture,” said Alison.

“They are excited to have an area to chill out and be with their friends in a calm environment – it’s given them a big boost after what’s been a challenging year for everybody.”

Employability Mentor Paula Blundell added: “The last cohort of Westbridge trainees made the sofa and delivered it to the college themselves.

“It was a lovely parting gift and has made all of the learners very happy.”

A new batch of apprentices are about to begin their two-month placement with Westbridge in the new year.

If successful, the applicants - aged 16-18 years old - will progress onto the full two-year initiative and a guaranteed job with them.

A spokesperson for the company said: “It’s great for our apprentices to be able to see their finished product being used at Coleg Cambria, where they first started their studies.”