Reflecting on the Power of Apprenticeships: The importance of being at the Senedd Apprenticeship Fayre

It’s essential to be recognised as a high-quality apprenticeship provider and this event provides a platform for us to speak to the people who are influential in driving these programmes forward.” Gareth David, Head of Apprenticeships

With National Apprenticeship Week now behind us, it’s important to reflect on why it was important for Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion to be at the Apprenticeship Fayre held at the Senedd. 

The apprenticeship team was invited to attend the Apprenticeship Fayre during Apprenticeship Week which was organised by Colegau Cymru and National Training Federation Wales (NTFW). 

Held in the Senedd’s Neuadd in Cardiff Bay, Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership and a former apprentice himself, spoke at the event hosted by the Cross-Party Group on Apprenticeships, co-chaired by Luke Fletcher MS and Joyce Watson MS.

The college team joined other colleges and training providers from across Wales to highlight the impact of apprenticeships. 

While the event generated considerable interest, apprenticeships continue to have an important and lasting impact on individuals and the industries they work in.

New Apprenticeship in Energy and Carbon Management

The recently-formed Green Skills Academy, based at Gelli Aur campus also joined the team to showcase the college’s new level three apprenticeship in energy and carbon management.

Archi Morgan (pictured below and above with Green Skills Academy head Jemma Parsons), is an apprentice on the course who works for Andrew Scott Ltd and he was also on hand to talk directly to Senedd members about the positive impact of his apprenticeship. 

With Welsh Government driving the funding behind training apprentices in Wales, it was important for the college to be part of this celebration to support the Welsh Government’s commitment to apprenticeships and give Senedd members the opportunity of talking directly with apprentices. 

Apprentices are driven by industry-backed ambition often with career changing decisions 

It’s important to keep driving the message that apprentices are just as driven as those following more traditional education pathways.

Some have taken a brave plunge and changed careers and financial gains to enter an industry they truly have passion for.

Matthew Rees-Thomas (pictured below) 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.

Driving the 125,000 Target

The Welsh Government has celebrated reaching 100,000 apprenticeships this term with ColegauCymru’s manifesto aiming for a new target of 125,000 for the new term.

Higher Level Options

For those who want to opt for university-level learning within their apprenticeship, higher apprenticeships are also a pathway for consideration. 

Richard Drummond (pictured above) 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.

Gareth David, head of apprenticeships at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion said: “We felt it was important to support this event to help highlight the impact of apprenticeships on skills, employment and the economy.

“It’s essential to be recognised as a high-quality apprenticeship provider and this event provides a platform for us to speak to the people who are influential in driving these programmes forward.” 

To find out more about apprenticeships, whether you’re an aspiring apprentice or a curious employer contact apprenticeships@colegsirgar.ac.uk or visit the apprenticeship web page below.