Student training has evolved since the beginning of 2021, when the Ty Banc Canal group first collaborated with the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University. During this time, postgraduate students participated in an 8-week project aiming to explore Neath Canal Restoration as a change for regenerating the Canal, connecting the communities in Resolven. After the University’s live project, one student pursued further with the Ty Banc Canal Group, joining the summer programme and later continued volunteering with Ty Banc.

“It’s been a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the early stages of creating community projects. Being able to engage with group debate and discussion made me appreciate the multi-disciplinary nature of the Architect’s role and it has improved my personal communication skills”

The student collaboration and continuation of the students had a massive impact on their architectural journey as they gained new knowledge and expertise in community well-being and green infrastructural research. Even though the project resulted in initial ideas for Ty Banc, it had a bigger impact on the vision and future of Ty Banc Canal Group. These initial ideas were a stepping stone that later continued, having the student-involved projects come to reality, benefitting schools, children and the community – aligning with the Wellbeing of Future Generations. This collaboration between the Ty Banc Canal Group and Cardiff University also demonstrates the positive impact of academic-community partnerships in promoting canal restoration and community well-being.

Introduction to Student Internship

Ty Banc Canal Group has established an engaging student internship program that fosters collaboration and project-based learning, expanding beyond university partnerships. Interns take an administration role alongside Ty Banc Admins, working on various initiatives related to the Neath Canal. Now, Master of Architecture students and others can participate in short-term projects that benefit both the group and the students themselves. These projects are designed to be flexible, allowing for remote work and face-to-face interactions to give meaningful experiences over a few months; Tŷ Banc Canal Group ensures that interns contribute to the canal community while gaining valuable skills for their future