Pembrokeshire College held its annual apprenticeship event during National Apprenticeship Week 2017 recently.

The award-winning apprentices were joined by Joseph Valente, the 2015 winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’.

Joseph, a former plumbing apprentice, gave an inspirational presentation about his apprenticeship journey and how self-belief and tenacity turned him into a successful apprentice, business owner and now one of Lord Sugar’s business partners.

Joseph’s story resonated with the audience and especially with the newly-qualified apprentices.

SEM Logistics Higher Apprentice Ellie Wilson said: “I am so glad that I chose the apprenticeship pathway and engineering as a career, I recommend both. The combination of learning technical skills on the job and the academic class-based learning really works, like Joseph said, it can be tough but hard work pays off.”

Employers across many of Pembrokeshire’s key sectors turned out for a recruitment and information event prior to the awards ceremony, including; Aber Instruments, Mainstay, Hywel Dda Health Board, The Retreats Group, Valero, Consort and Welsh Water.

There has been a considerable shift in the popularity of the apprenticeship pathway as an alternative to university, which has been further supported by the creation of 100,000 apprenticeships by the Welsh Government.

This pledge will take place before the next election to address skills shortages in growth and emerging sectors such as ICT, Engineering, Construction and Financial and Professional Services.

Central Training at Pembrokeshire College work with over 2,000 apprentices and many local employers,

“The pathway can start from entry level (traineeships) though to Level 4 and above (degree level), allowing employers to attract new talent, offer progression and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce,” said head of workforce skills, Wendy Weber.

If you would like to find out how your business can benefit from hiring an apprentice or you would like to become an apprentice, then please call Central Training on 01437 753 320, or go to the website central.pembrokeshire.ac.uk.