Apprenticeship Case Studies

Construction

Jess in a hi-vis vest and yellow hard hat looking at some electrics with her mentor

Jessica finds employment as an electrical apprentice through Jobs Growth Wales

“I’ve learned other skills from being with JGW+ that have given me the best start to my apprenticeship as I’m a shy person I struggled to communicate but I’ve learned to ask for help no matter how shy I might feel and learned that there isn’t such a thing as a silly question.
Doing what I love is amazing.”

Jessica Evans Level 2 Electrical Apprenticeship
What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

I was primarily motivated to pursue an apprenticeship because I felt it would be the best way for me to learn and get the relevant qualifications needed. When I do the work myself, I understand it much better, and the practical experience I get is really beneficial. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to work for five years while studying and earning a degree in quantity surveying because it gives me the best of both worlds - experience and a degree at the same time.

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

My ability to communicate and perform at the highest level both individually and as a team, has been one of the most useful skills I have acquired since joining Sterling Construction. Working has given me a great deal of confidence, which has improved myself both inside and outside of the workplace.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

Being able to manage my time in a way that guarantees I have a balance between everything has been the biggest challenge for me. It is a little difficult to work at a high level while upholding a high standard at university but it is possible.

What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

When I was in school, I worked with my brother on the weekends doing general building work. I enjoyed the work and knew quite early on that I wanted to have a career in construction. I initially came to college as a full-time learner and completed the level one construction and level two foundation qualifications, and then decided to progress onto the apprenticeship route. It’s been the perfect way to get hands on experience while completing the City & Guilds Level 3 Bricklaying qualification.

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

Being on the apprenticeship has given me the unique opportunity to learn a trade in a real-life environment. I’ve learnt the value of good customer communication, which is essential on any site, and a lot of technical knowledge when it comes to setting out and concreting.

Our current project is a complete new build, and I have been involved in the job from the footings up, which is an incredibly valuable experience. Working with Richard Smith is fantastic, I’m constantly applying what I learn in college directly to the site.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

I was required to complete the Level 2 Application of Number qualification. I chose to do this through the medium of Welsh. I hadn’t studied through Welsh since leaving school, but the college encouraged me to challenge myself to do it, and I am glad that I did. I also received additional support for the exam, which the college helped to facilitate.

Staff within the college’s Wellbeing Team were extremely helpful during my studies. They offer a lot of support that makes navigating the apprenticeship journey much smoother.

What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

When I started the job, I realised there was much more to construction than just labouring. So I decided to spend a year gaining experience and learning about the different trades and roles within the industry before making a decision.

I chose to pursue a carpentry apprenticeship as it aligned well with my long-term career goals. It appealed to me because it is hands-on, varied, and not repetitive. Each job is different, from installing doors and cupboards to working on trusses and roofing, which keeps the work interesting and engaging.

I wanted to make a career decision that would provide stability and support my family’s future. My career goals continue to develop and the decision to begin the apprenticeship was the first step to a secure and sustainable career in the construction industry.

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

One of the most valuable skills is learning how to properly use hand tools, particularly chisels, which I had not used before starting college. I have specifically developed skills in chiselling door hinges, which has been extremely beneficial in my day-to-day work.

I am learning a great deal from both the tutors and my classmates, as there is a lot of experience within the room. Being able to learn from others’ knowledge, techniques, and real-world experiences has helped strengthen my understanding of carpentry.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges is returning to education later in life. Adjusting to classroom learning, using computers, and sitting in a learning environment again was difficult at first.

Despite being older, this has not separated me from other students. In fact, some of the younger and less experienced learners often look to me for advice, which I have welcomed. 

Balancing work, college, and family life has also been a challenge; however, I have embraced the long-term commitment of the apprenticeship.

Career Changers

Matthew Rees-Thomas - Apprentice - In hi-vis gear

Trading a hospitality career for plumbing: Matthew embraces a new direction through an apprenticeship

Matthew Rees-Thomas left a regular income and a career in hospitality to take up an apprenticeship in plumbing. His long-term goal is to become qualified and Gas Safe registered, but for now he’s learning the trade with Geraint Williams Limited, combining industry experience with studying an accredited qualification.

Wyn Thomas, Coleg Sir Gâr training advisor, who mentors Matthew said: “Changing career path has helped Matthew to find direction again and a clear sense of purpose, something he was lacking beforehand which had a noticeable impact on his mental health.”

What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

I worked in the finance department at Thrive Domestic Abuse Service, a women’s aid charity, and I felt I was ready for a new challenge. I managed to get support from the company to pursue an apprenticeship in HR, which enhances my personal growth and gives me the opportunity to explore a career in a new sector.

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

I have learnt how extensive the HR role is, covering all aspects of people management within an organisation, from recruitment to company culture and wellbeing. Through class discussions I have gained an insight into the many different avenues of HR that are available, and how these can vary from sector to sector.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

Time management is my main challenge as I have children and work full time. It can be hard to set aside the time to study with so many other commitments, but I have learnt to plan my time beforehand and set aside dedicated time for set tasks.

What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

I initially began my working life in a mechanics apprenticeship, but as I progressed, I realised I wanted to pursue a career that aligned more closely with my personal interests and values.

My move into healthcare was strongly influenced by my family. My mother worked as a dialysis sister, my brother in a cancer unit, and my partner is based in a stroke ward. Seeing the impact they make every day, inspired me to follow in their footsteps and build a career where I can support others and make a meaningful difference. This apprenticeship route offered me the ideal opportunity with structured support, hands on experience, and a clear route for future progression.

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

As part of my role with Hywel Dda Health Board, I have developed strong communication skills, along with key healthcare competencies such as empathy and patient centred care, teamwork, professionalism, clinical reasoning, record keeping, and safe practice, all essential for supporting therapeutic interventions and delivering high-quality patient care.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

I meet with my training advisor regularly, either online or on college campus, due to working in the community. 

My tutors offer regular feedback, monitor progress, and help me stay on track with assignments. 

Animal and Agriculture

What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

I chose to pursue this apprenticeship because I wanted to develop practical, hands-on skills while working within the farming industry. I’ve always been interested in livestock and machinery and the day-to-day running of a modern farm, and the apprenticeship offered a direct route to build those skills in a real working environment, rather than only learning in a classroom.

The programme aligns with my career goals because I want to build a long-term career in agriculture, either progressing into a stockperson role or eventually managing my own unit. 

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

I’ve developed a range of practical and technical skills that have directly improved the way I work on the farm. One of the most valuable areas has been livestock husbandry. I’ve learned how to assess animal health, recognise early signs of illness, and understand the importance of welfare standards such as the Five Freedoms. I’ve also gained machinery and equipment skills — from completing pre-start safety checks to operating tractors, telehandlers, and other farm tools correctly. Another key area has been record-keeping and farm compliance.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my apprenticeship was adapting to the pace and physical demands of full-time farm work. I overcame this by building a consistent routine, improving my fitness, and learning to pace myself while still keeping standards high.

Another challenge was developing confidence with livestock and machinery. But by asking questions, shadowing experienced staff, and taking every opportunity to practise under supervision, over time those skills became second nature.

Planning my workload more effectively and setting time aside each week to stay on top of evidence and assignments really helped.

What motivated you to pursue your apprenticeship, and how did it align with your career goals?

I wanted to pursue the apprenticeship as a way of gaining my British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications. I can now say very proudly that I am studying for my BHS stage four exam. For me, it has been one of the best things I have done for myself and the horses. I have been able to improve my management skills, and general confidence in what I do day to day. I genuinely can’t believe I’m lucky enough to call working with horses my job.

Can you describe some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you’ve gained during your apprenticeship and how they have impacted your work?

Learning through the apprenticeship has been an absolute joy, the tutors are super supportive and guide you through everything. I have made friends for life, and been exposed to industry experiences I’d never have even thought would be possible.

I have gained the confidence to enable me to take on an unbacked three year-old horse earlier this year, and back him myself, with help from some amazing professionals. This has taught me so much, and makes me want to do more.

What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship, and how have you overcome them?

For me my biggest challenge has been the revision in preparation for the exam, taking in the sheer quantity of information, in order to be able to apply it in the exam. To overcome this, I have had to find a revision method that works for me and stick to it, which involves a lot of reading and a lot of writing. It definitely works as I have passed all my BHS exams so far on my first attempt.

Degree Level Apprenticeship

Richard Drummond chose a work-based learning programme because he wanted to combine real-world practical experience with academic learning.

He is studying a level five qualification in CIPD, which is a university level accredited qualification for HR professionals.

Richard said that HR is people-focussed and for him, being in a work environment is essential learning which requires both technical and interpersonal skills.

With a career goal of becoming an employee relations specialist, being in a work-based environment offers him exposure to core HR functions such as policy interpretation, case management and employment law compliance.

Richard Drummond explains how the theory he’s learning, translates into practice within his organisation. 

“Learning about employment law and policy interpretation has strengthened my ability to advise managers confidently and ensure compliance. The conflict resolution and communication elements are essential for handling sensitive employee relations cases effectively.

“Exploring data analysis and HR systems has improved my ability to track trends, produce reports, and support evidence-based decision-making. Learning more about time management has helped me to balance study and work and how to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.

“These skills have made me more effective in supporting managers, resolving issues quickly, and contributing to a positive workplace culture. One challenge was managing the dual demands of work and study. I overcame this by creating a structured schedule and communicating openly with my manager about deadlines. 

“Another challenge was gaining confidence in complex ER cases early on and I addressed this by shadowing experienced colleagues, asking questions, and using feedback to improve.”