Pembrokeshire based carpentry apprentice, Ben Llewelin, has featured in an apprenticeship film that has been launched by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for construction.

The careers film, entitled 'Building Talent across Wales', will be shown at schools throughout Wales, as well as to industry, to highlight apprenticeships as one of the best routes of entry to the Welsh construction industry, as well as demonstrating the variety of career opportunities the industry offers to young people.

On featuring in the film, Ben Llewelin said: "I am currently on the three-year Pathways to Apprenticeship programme specialising in advanced carpentry. I am really enjoying my training and both CITB-ConstructionSkills and my employer are really helping me with my career. I hope to progress with the company for a few years and then look to set up my own business one day. It was fantastic to be involved with making the apprenticeship film; I hope it highlights the opportunities the industry has to offer and helps encourage other young people to take their first steps to a career in construction."

Ben's employer, Andrew Phillips, of Carreg Construction said: "It is critical for employers to understand the value of apprenticeship schemes and how important it is to have a fresh influx of new talent coming into the construction industry. To maintain a sustainable workforce we need new people coming into the industry so we look to actively encourage youngsters to gain hands-on experience. I would definitely recommend all companies, whatever their sector, to take on an apprentice."

Gareth Williams, qualifications and careers manager for CITB-ConstructionSkills Wales, said: "Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of the industry offering an invaluable step into a career for young people as well as benefiting companies in a number of ways, but above all they are a chance to show commitment to training.

"We're working hard to bring new talent into the industry, and the film really helps demonstrate to young people the career opportunities that are available to them within construction and the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship by hearing from apprentices already working in the Welsh construction industry."

To help provide the next generation with a one-stop shop to access all the information they need about the variety of careers and the different routes of entry to the construction sector, CITB-ConstructionSkills is recommending young people visit its fully bilingual bconstructive web service – http://www.bconstructive.co.uk">www.bconstructive.co.uk.

For more information on a career in construction please visit CITB-ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship Programme please visit http://www.cskills.org/apprenticeships">www.cskills.org/apprenticeships.