By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans have been submitted to Powys County Council (PCC) that could see parts of a rural pub become a training centre.
Training for Hire Ltd has submitted a change of use application for outbuildings that are used for storage at the Penybont Inn at Penybont Llanerch Emrys on the B4396 road between Llangedwyn and Llynclys.
In a support statement, agent Jen Ellis of the The Rural Building Studio, explained: “This application seeks to change the use of the existing outbuildings, currently used as storage at the Penybont Inn.
“The pub trade is currently facing very difficult times and as such the current landlord (Jim Mccall) also runs a specialist training business.
“The business is currently run from various rented venues throughout the immediate area and across the Midlands.
“As such he is seeking to establish a permanent base for the enterprise, which will result in reduced travel for him, but also bring great training opportunities for many young people within the local area.
“Through the conversion of this redundant outbuilding a useful village resource will be created, which can also be used as a small events/meeting space when not in use by Training for Hire.”
According to the statement Training for Hire use a mix of classroom and workshop to provide training on occupational Health and Safety for machinery technicians from basic electrics through to hydraulics.
Mrs Ellis added: “There is a significant skills shortage for machinery repair and many individuals miss out on the chance for formal training routes, apprenticeships either due to a lack of employer places or a change in career choice.
“The majority of our students are in their twenties and through a mixture of off-site training – at the pub and on-site assessment – we get them through six or more days of formal training and then go on to assess them against industry qualifications for example NVQ Level 3 diploma in plant maintenance.
“Currently the closest industry courses are run in Telford or the Midlands with little provision in our region.”
According to the statement the traffic considerations are minimal as there are parking spaces at the pub and the training centre would operate when the pub is closed.
“Establishing this business on site at the Penybont Inn will facilitate a stronger financial position which in turn will enable a much improved toilet block to be constructed, which will mean that the pub can provide truly accessible facilities to its guests,” said Mrs Ellis.