Influencing the influencers on apprenticeship opportunities in Wales


The charitable company has serious concerns that the level of understanding of what apprenticeships are and the benefits they can offer is not totally understood by young people, their parents or in some cases the professional careers teams who have the responsibility of advising young people about their futures. The event was designed to try and explain in simple terms the options available to young people and to help careers advisers to better communicate those options.


Organised in Cardiff in association with Careers Wales and with the involvement of the Careers Development Institute and the sector skills council, SummitSkills, JTL recently hosted a major education event. Those involved were either full time careers advisers or individuals who have responsibility for a careers service within their Welsh school.


A morning of presentations included input from electrical training officer Sean O’Brien; recently qualified apprentice Kimberley Worster of Croxford Electrical; MES internal verifier Richard Crewdson and Richard Allen, JTL’s communications and marketing manager. Chairing the session, as well as a vibrant question and answer finale, was Martin Laye, business manager for JTL in Wales.


The event sought to show the excellent opportunities in the electrical, plumbing and heating industries within Wales, where the level of youth unemployment is running ahead of England. Another key message was that these careers are equally suited to women as for men. Kimberley explained her personal experience which has included progress to achieve electrical inspection and testing qualifications, whilst a video presentation showed plumbing apprentice Samantha Allen outlining some of her experiences on the way to becoming a qualified plumber in Wales.


The meeting heard that the demand for skilled young people entering the sector was considerable and more talented newcomers are currently needed to tackle work created by economic improvements and vital investment in both domestic and industrial properties. It was agreed at the meeting that too many young people are encouraged to continue in education when an apprenticeship might be a more relevant option for them.

Some young people have simply had enough of academic life and want to move into a practical environment where earning while they learn is an attractive option, leading to lifelong qualifications and a solid and often lucrative career path.

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