Welsh Government Minister Eluned Morgan visited Neath College recently to find out for herself what impact apprenticeships can make on young people.
The Minister for Lifelong Learning and the Welsh Language heard from a number of current engineering apprentices from companies such as Homeline, Harris and Guardian, about what they have gained from taking up the training opportunities, as well as talking to College staff and full time students.
TATA Steel apprentice Calim Bowen, from Cimla, is a current mechanical engineering apprentice. Former Cefn Season student Calim made the decision to swap from studying A Levels at the college to gain a place on the hugely competive TATA Steel apprentice programme. He divides his time between College and work at the steelworks.
‘’I made the decision as I wanted a career that was hands on. Mechanical engineering gives me those skills and the apprenticeship the opportunity for a lengthy career in the steel industry.’’
Tanisha Bath, 16, from Pontardawe, is currently a full-time student studying Level 2 Mechanical PEO Engineering and is hoping to move onto an apprenticeship next year.
‘Ideally I would love to get an apprenticeship with National Rail next year,’’ she said.
Luke Pursey, 21, from Sandfields, is a current Level 3 Maintenance student who is hoping to continue his career with the College and move into education as an Engineering Technician.
‘’I have loved my time at Neath College and would hope to come back to become a technician for the Engineering department,’’ said Luke.
The College has a very successful apprenticeship programme with some large companies, such as: DVLA; WRU; Swansea City FC and ABMU. The minister had also visited those young apprentices from the ABMU earlier in the morning at Morriston Hospital.
The National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2018) runs from 5th – 9th March. If you are interested in an apprenticeship, please contact our work-based learning team, Pathways Training on: 01639 648064.
During Apprenticeship Week, our Pathways Training Team will be promoting routes into apprenticeships at the following events;
Monday 5th March
Stand at the DVLA, Morriston.
Stand at ABMU Morriston Hospital.
Tuesday 6th March
Stand at the DVLA, LLansamlet.
Wednesday 7th March
Stand and ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Award Ceremony at the DVLA.
Presentation to Bishop Vaughan pupils organised through The Cynnedd Project.
Thursday 8th March
ABMU Neath/Port Talbot event to promote apprenticeships to current employees.
Friday 9th March
Engineering breakfast event in Neath College (Blasus Restaurant and D Block), 8am-10am.
