PUPILS at a Pembrokeshire school are being tasked with a major project which could help design part of Bluestone National Park Resort’s new £7m SkyDome project.

If successful, one pupil from Sir Thomas Picton School, in Haverfordwest could see their concept become a reality in the groundbreaking facility, which has been dubbed a UK first.

A group of 30 year nine pupils have been tasked with researching, planning, designing and developing a restaurant or activity for the new SkyDome facility.

SkyDome, which secured planning consent in February, will comprise of a transparent canopy, arched over an area the size of a football pitch.

The pupils, who attended a launch event at Bluestone, will work alongside Bluestone employees and industry professionals throughout the three month project.

The aim is to the give the group of students a practical experience and to show them the many career options that exist at Bluestone and in the hospitality industry.

“It’s the first time that we have done anything like this at Bluestone and we’re really excited about the process,” said Lucy Good, Learning and Development Manager.

“We want it to be really engaging and more than just creating a poster. The pupils will learn about budgeting, staffing, health and safety and take their concept all the way through to marketing and promotion.

“There are nine stages, starting with learning about the resort, the vision and SkyDome. If they choose to create a restaurant they’ll need to come up with a theme and produce a menu, as well as choosing the chairs, tables, lighting and finishing touches. If they create an activity they need to make sure that it’s on brand, fits with our ethos and is practical. We want to make it as realistic as possible.”

Once they have decided on their project, pupils will pitch it to the heads of the respective department at Bluestone. They will then have the chance to work with the marketing team to develop a logo, social media marketing campaign and press release around their idea.

In the final stage they will present their idea to Directors and Bluestone’s CEO William McNamara,

“We’re delighted to be working with STP. We recognise that the pupils taking part are at a pivotal point in their education with GCSE choices approaching.” said Mr McNamara.

“I hope that the task will inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and encourage them to look at careers in our industry. I’m really looking forward to seeing the ideas that the students bring to the table."

The project will culminate with an awards evening at Bluestone, attended by the pupils, their families, teachers and members of the Bluestone team who have supported them. The pupil who presents the best idea will win a holiday at the luxury resort for their family to enjoy and all participants will receive tickets to the Blue Lagoon Water Park.

Kate Hudson, assistant head teacher at STP said, “The project will raise aspirations for our pupils whilst at the same time supporting them in developing vital employability and leadership skills. Bluestone has given the children a fantastic opportunity to work with a range of departments and experience different career opportunities which exist in the hospitality industry. The children are really looking forward to getting involved and working on their projects.”

SkyDome will create 55 jobs, adding to the 700 strong workforce. Bluestone hopes to finish building the dome, by spring 2019.