A DENBIGHSHIRE-based construction firm’s employees old and new have lauded apprenticeships as the perfect partnership between businesses and aspiring individuals.
Wynne Construction site manager Aled Roberts and quantity surveying higher apprentice Hari Thompson sang the praises of the schemes, which give young people valuable hands-on experience whilst earning a qualification.
Teenager Hari is part of the first fully funded construction degree apprenticeships in Wales, launched at Wrexham University, in partnership with Coleg Cambria.
Having started the four-year course in September, the 18-year-old from Llanfynydd in Flintshire, North Wales, has reflected on the last rewarding six months.
The former Castell Alun pupil said: “It’s been great, as I’ve been able to get out on site early in the course and work on an amazing project in Maggie’s, which is the cancer support centre at Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan.
“To see the building take shape is fantastic for my progression. My parents are property developers, but commercial structures are completely different to houses. So, every day is about learning the necessary skills.
“Being able to help the on-site team and growing my knowledge at the same time means that the apprenticeship scheme benefits both myself and Wynne Construction.”
Hari is being mentored by quantity surveyor Corey Jones and Aled, who has echoed the student’s words.
Aled said: “It is a win-win situation. It’s a new course, so Corey and I can share our experience with Hari, whilst he gives us valuable support on site.
“I know first-hand from leaving school and coming straight into the industry myself just how important that help can be.
“Wynne Construction is always eager to encourage young people, and it is up to the more experienced team members, both in head office and out on projects throughout Wales and the north of England, to help nurture them.
“Maggie’s, for example, is a significant scheme in North Wales and it’s one Hari will remember working on.”
As part of his course, Hari currently spends two days on site, two days in the office, and one day at university.
He added: “I’ve relished being at Maggie’s, which is such an important project, and a brilliant one to learn on. It will be something I can reflect on in years to come.”
Wynne Construction runs the Wynne Futures Foundation, a programme that provides work experience and apprenticeships and supports career events.
Chris Wynne, managing director at the family firm, said: “Our passion and dedication for supporting apprentices and the local area never wavers.
“We remain steadfast in providing opportunities for young people to flourish, and it is wonderful to see the positive impact this is having.”
Wynne Construction operates throughout Wales and the North West of England, and regularly leads on projects in sectors including education, social housing, healthcare, and sport and leisure.
The company is also on the North Wales Construction Partnership (NWCP), Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework, the South-East and mid-Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP3) and the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework (SSWRCF).
For more information, visit the Wynne Construction website.
