AN APPRENTICE from Port Talbot is attending a careers event at Parc y Scarlets to promote vocational routes into work.
Joe Parkhouse, an apprentice mechanic, is attending with his employer, Welsh Water, along with several other apprentices and members of the not-for-profit company’s graduate scheme to speak to young people and job seekers.
In addition to Welsh Water, more than 90 other major Welsh employers will attend the event held at Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets today (Friday, February 9), which is expected to attract 4,000 young people over two days.
Joe said: “I’m really looking forward to the event, hopefully I can speak to other young people who are in the same position I was a few years ago.
“When I left school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and ended up in a job I didn’t really enjoy and one that didn’t make use of my skills.
“I soon realised an office environment wasn’t for me and I wanted a more hands-on career.
“I’ve never really been much of a classroom learner, so when I found out about the apprenticeship scheme for mechanics at Welsh Water I was really interested.
“Every day I’m out and about and learning on the job; whether its installing new infrastructure or working on emergency maintenance, it’s such a varied job.
“I managed to settle into my team really quickly, everyone has been so supportive throughout my course. The best part is that I can continue earning money while I’m getting my qualifications.
“Now, I’m in my third year of my course and I’m almost ready to qualify as a Welsh Water mechanic.
“I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to get real hands-on experience, and make sure they have the skills and experience for a stable career afterwards.”
Organised by Careers Wales and Coleg Sir Gâr, and supported by the Welsh Government, SkillsCymru event is designed to inspire and educate young people and adults about the variety of different careers and vocational routes available to them.
Graham Bowd, Chief Executive at Careers Wales said: “We want to make sure young people are aware of all their options when they leave school, including vocational routes into work, just like Joe.
“Events like these are a rare opportunity for young people to speak to their peers about what an apprenticeship involves and can find out about the wide variety of jobs available after qualifying.
“It’s encouraging to see such a positive journey like Joe’s. I hope students attending the event this week will be inspired to consider alternative routes into work such as apprenticeships.”
Supporting the event, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan; said: “It’s encouraging to see so many major employers, like Welsh Water, investing in Wales’ future workforce at events such as these.
“SkillsCymru is a unique opportunity for many young people and jobseekers to interact face-to-face with companies and find out what it takes to forge a career in a variety of different industries.
“For young people leaving school, college or university, feeling supported by parents and guardians is a vital part of making the right choice.
“The dedicated information session is a great opportunity for parents to find out more about their child’s next steps and help them to make an informed choice about their future.”
For more information about SkillsCymru Carmarthenshire, visit: www.careerswales.com/skillscymruCarmarthenshire
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