Category Archives: Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships, News, Oxfordshire, Training & Apprenticeships

Lowe & Oliver’s New Oxford Training Centre Drives Record Apprenticeship Applications

Lowe & Oliver, a leading electrical and mechanical contractor based in Oxford, is thrilled to announce a record number of apprenticeship applications following the February launch of its apprentice training facility the ‘Centre for Excellence’.

There has been unprecedented interest in the programme compared with previous years and the total number of applications stands at over 85 already.

This surge in applications highlights the success of the new facility and the company’s commitment to addressing the growing skills shortage in the engineering sector.

Launched during National Apprenticeship Week, the Centre for Excellence has quickly become a cornerstone of practical engineering education in the region, catering to Lowe & Oliver’s 30 apprentices with capacity for many more from across central and southern England.

Apprentice in facility

This purpose-built facility features a classroom and six fully equipped bays—five dedicated to electrical training and one to mechanical. Each bay is outfitted with demo equipment that simulates real-world site conditions, providing apprentices with an immersive learning environment.

Fred Lowe, Lowe & Oliver Director, commented:

“Since the opening of our Centre for Excellence, we’ve seen an unprecedented interest in our apprenticeship programme. It’s immensely gratifying to know that our investment is paying dividends in inspiring a new generation of engineers.”

“The ongoing debate within the industry about the growing skills shortage has a simple answer – a commitment to investment. If we prove to potential apprentices that we take their development seriously, they will respond. That requires funding, but that is an investment which will easily pay for itself over the coming years with an improved quality of first candidate, then apprentice, then trained engineer. We’re delighted with its progress, and look forward to build on it.”

Chairman Paul Tuson elaborated on the educational structure:

“Our Centre for Excellence follows a rigorous curriculum designed for electrical and mechanical apprenticeships at NVQ Level 2, 3, and above. The training provided here complements and enhances the learning apprentices receive from their existing educational providers, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.”

Lowe & Oliver apprentice Alfie Wakefield commented:

“Lowe & Oliver really invest in the best apprenticeship and have well and truly delivered during my time as an apprentice at the company.”

“Learning on the facility has been a fantastic tool for myself and the other apprentices, developing in an environment which replicates an actual site. This has been invaluable and has prepared us well for onsite work for clients.”

“Apprenticeships are a viable route to a rewarding career. I would fully recommend one.”

Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships in Healthcare

Apprenticeship Academy brings youthful energy to health board

An Apprenticeship Academy is creating a new generation of fresh talent for a health board and meeting the challenge of recruiting to specific professions.

Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB) launched the academy in 2016, successfully training more than 250 apprentices across nine frameworks in the past five years alone. It has also tailored bespoke programmes when gaps or opportunities are identified.

With a focus on inclusivity and equality, SBUHB has effectually engaged with the local community to provide opportunities to those that may not have any qualifications or experience.

Now, SBUHB has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Macro Employer of the Year finalist.

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

“Our Health Care Support Worker Gateway programme provides a 12-month apprenticeship to gain experience in the role before moving into permanent posts,” said Ruth Evans, Apprentice Academy Manager.

“The wards and departments support the apprentices during their training and are rewarded with skilled and qualified staff ready to continue their careers. To date, 137 apprentices have been successful in gaining permanent posts within the organisation, ensuring increased understanding of values and the culture they create.”

SBUHB delivers its programmes in collaboration with college providers, Neath Port Talbot College and Gower College Swansea, and they provide opportunities to existing staff as well as the new apprentices.

In addition, the health board has developed stronger links with local schools, colleges and charities, successfully linking with the main drivers included in the Future Generations Act, Wales (2015).

In line with SBUHB values, the academy is constantly looking to improve their processes offering close partnerships with the two training provider partners.

“Through our excellent collaboration, SBUHB have successfully achieved mapping alignment of apprenticeship pathways against job descriptions, strengthening workforce development in line with organisational need and demand,” said Medi Williams, Commercial Bid Specialist, Gower College Swansea.

“The academy is enriching employee knowledge and promoting a culture of value, empowerment and learning agility.”

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Swansea Bay University Health Board and all the other finalists. “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices, and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.
Picture caption:

Staff at Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Apprenticeships

Finalist Whitbread reaping the rewards of apprenticeships

Leading UK hospitality business Whitbread Group PLC, which has more than 800 hotels, 400 plus restaurants and in excess of 36,000 employees, is reaping the rewards of its strong commitment to apprenticeships.

 

The business has discovered that its staff retention rate is 10% higher for apprentices, which equates to £5 million in reduced costs, increased sales and better guest experiences.

 

Apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 5 are delivered by Lifetime Training, in partnership with Cambrian Training Company in Wales, for staff ranging from chefs, housekeepers and receptionists to managers and team and project leaders. Achievement and distinction rates are substantially above industry averages.

 

Now, Whitbread Group PLC has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Large Employer of the Year finalist.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

 

Over the past year, more than 270 Whitbread Group employees have achieved an apprenticeship and in excess of 2,000 are working towards one across the UK. A network of Apprenticeship Champions supports the development of learners across the business.

 

Apprenticeships are integral to Whitbread’s Force for Good programme which gives all employees the opportunity to learn and develop. A ‘no barriers to entry’ approach for apprentices aims to ensure that all employees reach their potential.

 

In a UK-wide survey, 86% of the company’s employees said an apprenticeship had improved their confidence in their role and 90% believed they had developed new skills. 47% were promoted or have taken on extra responsibilities within a year of completing their apprenticeship and 20% of deputy hotel managers were promoted from an apprenticeship.

 

This commitment to learning and development has helped Whitbread to achieve a Top Employer status for 13 years running.

 

Richard Brooks-Harley, Whitbread Group’s apprenticeship delivery manager, said: “Our founder, Samuel Whitbread, was himself an apprentice which makes apprenticeships a core part of our DNA.”

 

Matthew Summerbell, senior operations manager at Lifetime Training, said Whitbread promotes apprenticeship opportunities with schools and colleges, particularly in deprived areas.

 

“The combination of the apprenticeship culture, stakeholder engagement and community outreach results in positive achievements and outcomes, with apprentices twice as likely to be promoted within Whitbread and 30% more likely to stay with the business,” he added.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated the Whitbread Group and all the other finalists. “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Whitbread Group apprentices Rebecca Cleary, Corey Proctor, Luke Williams, Stacey Trace, Kate Palmer, Shannon Watkins, Kayla Millon, Alethea Lloyd and Tyra McMahon Premier Inn Cardiff.

Apprenticeships

Leading hygiene services company reaping the apprenticeship rewards

Leading hygiene services provider phs Group says apprenticeships have helped the company increase colleague engagement and retention, improve productivity, customer service and grow sales.

 

Based in Caerphilly, the company employs more than 3,000 colleagues nationwide, of which 130 are apprentices. Over the past five years, phs Group has employed 256 apprentices, 47 of whom have been promoted or moved into a new role as part of their career plan.

 

Phs Group aims to have at least 5% of its workforce on apprenticeship programmes which help develop the career paths from entry to senior management.

 

Now, phs Group has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Large Employer of the Year finalist.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

 

Apprenticeships from Level 3 to 7, ranging from Business Administration and Customer Service to Management and Data Science, are delivered by ALS Training, along with ACT and Coleg y Cymoedd. Bridgend College also recently awarded phs Group the Employer Partnership Award In 2023.

 

An Apprenticeship Ambassador Network member, phs Group shares best practice with other employers and has transferred £90,000 of its apprenticeship levy to support apprentices at 15 small and medium sized businesses.

 

Phs Group recruited Julie Harries as work-based learning lead in 2019 to drive and manage apprenticeships, resulting in significantly improved skills and opportunities across the business coupled with high completion rates.

 

She believes apprenticeships fit perfectly with in-house learning and development programmes which are available to colleagues.

 

“Our apprenticeship programme ensures that we have the right knowledge, skills and behaviours. Through the 130 people that we have on apprenticeship programmes, we have elevated colleague expertise within phs Group, which helps us achieve our vision of becoming the partner and employer of choice.

 

“By developing colleagues, they feel more motivated and engaged. Happy employees impact how we service and provide best outcomes for our customers which is vital for a company that puts people at the heart of their products and services”

 

Vanessa Hope, ALS Training’s corporate development manager, said: “Having worked with phs Group for several years, we are always impressed by the company’s level of commitment to apprenticeships, and this can be demonstrated by the high achievement rate of their staff.”

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated phs Group and all the other finalists. “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Staff from phs Group, Large Employer of the Year finalist.

Apprenticeships, Transport

All aboard for a UK-first apprenticeship programme with award finalist

Keeping Wales on the move through a sustainable train network has been the driving force behind a pioneering apprenticeship programme created by Transport for Wales (TfW).

 

The not-for-profit company was established in 2015 to support the Welsh Government’s vision of creating a high quality, safe, integrated and affordable transport network. TfW has embraced work-based learning by recruiting hundreds of apprentices to improve performance and long-term sustainability.

 

TfW welcomed its first cohort in 2019, but by 2021 the company had introduced a UK-first programme for trainee train drivers that was designed in collaboration with the awarding body, EAL, and delivered in partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd.

 

The programme has already encouraged scores of new recruits from diverse backgrounds to enter the rail industry with the target to attract more than 100 new apprentices per year over the next five years. TfW currently employs 189 apprentices and has recruited over 300 over the past five years.

 

Now, TfW has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Large Employer of the Year finalist.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

 

“By designing a bespoke apprenticeship programme, Transport for Wales ensured that trainee train drivers receive a recognised qualification, the first accredited MVQ Level Three qualification in train driver operations in the UK,” said Liam Matthews, rail apprenticeship co-ordinator at Coleg y Cymoedd.

 

“This qualification not only provides official recognition for the employees but also sets the foundation for a reliable public transport service.”

 

Apprenticeships are now available across 12 areas of the business and also delivered by ALS Training, with TfW crediting these programmes by directly supporting the company’s transformation plans.

 

With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, it has also provided a sustainable pipeline of talent that aligns with the organisation’s goals and objectives as outlined in their corporate strategy and strategic equality plan.

 

The introduction of a new salary structure for apprentices, aligned with the National Living Wage, demonstrates a commitment to attracting candidates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring apprenticeships are accessible to a wider range of individuals to further promote diversity within the workforce.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Transport for Wales and all the other finalists. “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices, and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Transport for Wales apprentices.

Apprenticeships

NTFW wants part of £283m healthcare pledge to support apprenticeships

An organisation that represents work-based learning providers across Wales is urging the Welsh Government to support apprenticeships with some of the £283.126 million it has pledged for the education and training of healthcare professionals.

 

The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) has welcomed this week’s statement by Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan which pledged to maintain funding for healthcare professionals for the academic year 2024/25.

 

However, the pledge coincides with a £38m cut to apprenticeships proposed in the Welsh Government’s budget, which has yet to be ratified by the Welsh Parliament/Senedd Cymru.

 

The NTFW, training and healthcare providers and educational institutions across Wales have warned that the severe cuts to the apprenticeship programme in Wales will have dire consequences for patient and residential care.

 

They estimate that the number of apprenticeship new starts in 2024-‘25 will be halved to 10,000, impacting the healthcare sector in Wales severely. It is claimed the sector is facing a 69% reduction in apprenticeship opportunities at a time when workforce challenges have never been greater.

 

This is because most learners who start an apprenticeship in healthcare are over the age of 25 years and future Welsh Government funding will prioritise younger learners.

 

Lisa Mytton, NTFW strategic director, said: “We welcome the commitment by the Minister for Health and Social Service to maintain funding for healthcare professionals, which is important to support the NHS workforce. However, it is rather short-sighted when the apprenticeship budget for the health and social care workforce is being cut.

 

“We urge the Minister to assist her colleague, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, and use some of her budget to guarantee support for the health and social care workforce, an important part of the health service in Wales which is already in crisis.”

 

Recent analysis by the NTFW has identified that, if the Welsh Government does prioritise young people under the age of 25, there may be no new apprenticeship opportunities for those aged 25 and above in 2024-‘25.

 

It’s estimated that there will be 5,500 fewer apprentices in this Welsh Government priority sector, which includes health and social care, clinical healthcare, dental nursing and children’s care and learning and development.

 

The NTFW says it’s ironic that Health and Social Services, which has been prioritised in the draft budget through an additional investment of £929m, is the very sector which is going to be most adversely affected by the apprenticeship budget cut.

 

Picture caption:

The NTFW is calling for funding support for health and social care apprentices.

Lisa Mytton, the NTFW’s strategic director.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships inspire a passion for education at primary school

Apprenticeships have made a major contribution to Ysgol Maes y Felin meeting its commitment to provide a supportive and caring environment that sparks a lifelong love for learning.

The primary school in Holywell currently has five apprentices but has employed 27 over the past five years. Apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 5 in Specialist Teaching and Learning Services, Physical Education and School Sport and ILM Leadership & Management are delivered in partnership with Achieve More Training.

Acting headteacher David Thomas says the partnership works well and is achieving the school’s mission to nurture talent, broaden horizons and encourage self-belief.

Now, the school has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Medium Employer of the Year finalist.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

By nurturing, mentoring and investing in the growth of apprentices, Ysgol Maes y Felin cultivates a loyal and skilled workforce which provides high quality education for pupils.

Apprenticeships are tailored to the needs of individual learners, with those aspiring to become teachers receiving personalised support to develop their instructional skills.

Digital tools, online platforms, educational software and virtual reality simulations are used to offer interactive and engaging learning opportunities.

To help with recruitment and staff retention, initiatives to address youth unemployment have been introduced and apprenticeships are promoted in the local community and on social media channels.

“By offering apprenticeships, we have been able to tap into a pool of talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a passion for education,” said Mr Thomas. “Their contributions have positively influenced the overall productivity, effectiveness and success of the school.

“Apprenticeships have helped us foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, elevating the overall quality of our staff.”

Matthew Hilliker, Achieve More Training’s Director, praised the school’s exceptional commitment to developing and delivering an outstanding apprenticeship programme.

“By collaborating with Achieve More Training, the school ensures that the programme remains relevant and meets the evolving needs of learners and the education sector,” he said.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Ysgol Maes Y Felin and all the other finalists. “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Headteacher David Thomas, Achieve More Training’s Leah Wilde and Sebastian Vidal with apprentices Ceri Tait, Ruby Rose and Rebecca Jenkins and young pupils at Ysgol Maes y Felin, Holywell.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships inspire a passion for education at primary school

Apprenticeships have made a major contribution to Ysgol Maes y Felin meeting its commitment to provide a supportive and caring environment that sparks a lifelong love for learning.

The primary school in Holywell currently has five apprentices but has employed 27 over the past five years. Apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 5 in Specialist Teaching and Learning Services, Physical Education and School Sport and ILM Leadership & Management are delivered in partnership with Achieve More Training.

Acting headteacher David Thomas says the partnership works well and is achieving the school’s mission to nurture talent, broaden horizons and encourage self-belief.

Now, the school has been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Medium Employer of the Year finalist.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

By nurturing, mentoring and investing in the growth of apprentices, Ysgol Maes y Felin cultivates a loyal and skilled workforce which provides high quality education for pupils.

Apprenticeships are tailored to the needs of individual learners, with those aspiring to become teachers receiving personalised support to develop their instructional skills.

Digital tools, online platforms, educational software and virtual reality simulations are used to offer interactive and engaging learning opportunities.

To help with recruitment and staff retention, initiatives to address youth unemployment have been introduced and apprenticeships are promoted in the local community and on social media channels.

“By offering apprenticeships, we have been able to tap into a pool of talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a passion for education,” said Mr Thomas. “Their contributions have positively influenced the overall productivity, effectiveness and success of the school.

“Apprenticeships have helped us foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, elevating the overall quality of our staff.”

Matthew Hilliker, Achieve More Training’s Director, praised the school’s exceptional commitment to developing and delivering an outstanding apprenticeship programme.

“By collaborating with Achieve More Training, the school ensures that the programme remains relevant and meets the evolving needs of learners and the education sector,” he said.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Ysgol Maes Y Felin and all the other finalists. “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Headteacher David Thomas, Achieve More Training’s Leah Wilde and Sebastian Vidal with apprentices Ceri Tait, Ruby Rose and Rebecca Jenkins and young pupils at Ysgol Maes y Felin, Holywell.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships integral to growth of South Wales childcare provider

The Welsh Government’s apprenticeship programme has been integral to the successful growth of Little Inspirations, a multi-award-winning South Wales childcare provider.

Since forming 20 years ago, the Pontyclun-based company has grown from one to nine settings and now has a workforce of 123. Childcare facilities are provided for children aged from six weeks to 12 years and more than 400 families daily across Rhondda Cynon Taff, Vale of Glamorgan, Newport and Merthyr Tydfil.

The company currently has 20 apprentices, having employed 39 over the past 17 years and staff retention is well above the industry average. Apprenticeships make employees feel valued and provide career progression pathways.

Little Inspirations has now been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 as a Medium Employer of the Year finalist.

 

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor is EAL.

 

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at ICC Wales, Newport on March 22, 2024. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

Training provider Educ8 Training works closely with Little Inspirations to deliver apprenticeships from Level 2 to 5 in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development Professional Practice, Play Work, Management, Customer Service and Leadership and Management.

Success stories of apprentices developing from few qualifications to becoming managers, thanks to the skills and knowledge they have gained, are inspirational to recruits.

Leading by example, Little Inspirations director Jenine Gill has completed Higher Apprenticeships (Level 5) in addition to a PGCE in Leadership and Management with Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the company is ahead of a five-year business plan target set in 2020, as profit has increased by 69%.

“Our apprenticeship programme has been of paramount importance to enable the company to expand,” said Jenine, an enthusiastic ambassador for apprenticeships who promotes childcare as a rewarding career. “We have a very skilled, confident and diverse team and all our staff are encouraged to bring new ideas into the company.”

Jenine and Little Inspirations have won a series of national awards in the last three years, including South Wales Business Female Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023

Ann Nicholas, Educ8 Training’s customer account director, said: “Little Inspirations’ outstanding commitment to apprenticeships shines through, making a significant impact in fostering growth and staff development. Their passion for work-based learning is second to none.”

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Little Inspirations and all the other finalists.  “Today’s apprentices will be tomorrow’s specialists, and Apprenticeship Awards Cymru allows us to recognise apprentices, work-based learning practitioners, and employers that have gone above and beyond,” he said.

“Their tenacity, passion, and commitment to growing their own careers, the careers of others, and the larger Welsh economy is inspiring. I wish each of the finalists the best of luck at the awards and with their future endeavours.”

Congratulating the finalists, Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “As the specialist awarding organisation and skills partner for the engineering and manufacturing industry, apprenticeships in Wales are especially important to us.

“Apprenticeships play an important role in supporting personal progress through career opportunities and a sense of achievement, while ensuring that employers have the right skills at the right time to keep up with evolving industry needs.

“EAL is committed to encouraging employers to take on apprentices. Marking the achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru is vital to this.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Picture caption:

 

Little Inspirations director Jenine Gill (centre) with apprentices Emma Wright (left) and Abigail James.

Apprenticeships

Leading CEO: “Not enough businesses have recognised the sheer potential of apprenticeships”.

Businesses must go further and faster in embracing the benefits of apprenticeships.

That’s the view of the leader of an award-winning Midlands-based engineering firm – who began his own career as an apprentice.

Alan Lusty, the CEO of multidisciplinary engineering firm adi Group, said companies across the UK share a “collective responsibility” to improve access to apprenticeship schemes.

Speaking as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which is celebrated all of this week, Mr Lusty said:  “Not enough businesses have recognised the sheer potential of apprenticeships in today’s engineering world, and just how much these can benefit their company, as well as make a positive impact on the industry.  We want to motivate other businesses within the industry to take proactive measures to change the engineering sector for the better, and a crucial aspect of this transformation is recognising and championing the indispensable role of apprenticeships”.

Mr Lusty’s comments come as data shows apprenticeship starts in 2022/23 were down 3% compared to the previous year.

And with predictions that the labour demand gap in engineering will widen, Mr Lusty said businesses should look towards apprenticeships as a key element of the solution.

Having begun his own engineering career as an apprentice, Mr Lusty is determined to spearhead a change in mindset in businesses, educating others on the importance of apprenticeships.

Explaining how this can be done he continued: “It’s about helping budding engineers gain the hands-on core skills and knowledge they need to progress and succeed in an engineering career, in the right ways.

“adi’s apprenticeships are carefully designed to help outline a path of success for young talent within the industry and increase accessibility.

“We offer apprentices the opportunity to gain practical engineering skills in their chosen area from our own highly skilled in-house mentors while experiencing the intricacies of a real-world work environment.

“And we don’t just train apprentices on the engineering aspects of the job – we nurture all areas of their development, getting them involved in responsible business activities, training them up on health and safety and sustainability, and helping them build relevant soft skills.

“We further aid their growth through a dedicated mentorship scheme, designed to ensure every apprentice is personally supported in achieving their individual goals and aspirations.

“We ensure our approach is bespoke, taking into account the individual needs of each apprentice and valuing the skills they bring to the table, looking to help them grow these further in a tailored manner.

“While our approach has already inspired some like-minded businesses, we are striving to encourage others to follow in our footsteps, and not just this National Apprenticeship Week.

“We have a collective responsibility to protect the future of our industry, and we look forward to being able to show more and more businesses how they can make a positive impact”.

adi Group, which has a HQ based in Birmingham, is leading the way in developing the next generation of engineers with platforms and opportunities to encourage youngsters into the profession and educate others on the vital role of apprenticeships within the job market.

Having been recognised by The 5% Club as a Gold award winner, the firm has pledged to achieve 5% of its workforce in apprenticeship positions, a goal it has repeatedly exceeded in the past few years, having reached the 10% milestone in 2023.

In 2016, adi Group launched the UK’s first pre-apprenticeship programme, a unique programme which offers 12 students from years 10 and 11 the opportunity to develop their hands on engineering skills with purpose-built workshops over a two-year span.

adi Group offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities in areas such as mechanical, electrical and automotive engineering, as well as a number of business apprenticeships. These provide its pre-apprentices with a natural follow-up path as well as creating avenues for others coming in from outside the business.