An apprenticeship in mechanics is usually associated with cars, machinery, and other vehicles, but a 19-year-old from Haverfordwest is breaking the mould by working on vintage fairground and funfair rides after becoming Folly Farm’s first apprentice.

Jack Davies from Johnston always had a passion for mechanics, but after a year at Tasker Milward sixth form he felt that a hands-on route would be the best fit for him.

Jack went on to get a job as a trainee maintenance assistant in the engineering department at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo.

After seven months of working at Folly Farm, Jack was offered the chance to become the first team member to undertake an apprenticeship, studying motor vehicle maintenance while still working at the attraction.

He began his apprenticeship with Pembrokeshire College in September 2015, and has now finished the first year of his Level 2 qualification.

Speaking about his apprenticeship, Jack said: “I’ve always been interested in mechanics, but a lot of college courses didn’t appeal to me as they were quite theory-heavy. I went to sixth form for a year before realising it wasn’t for me. I then went to an agricultural college to study agricultural mechanics, but that course wasn’t what I expected either.

“I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps, he was also a mechanic, and I spent a lot of time with him growing up, which is how I developed my passion for the role.

“I was so pleased when Folly Farm offered me an apprenticeship, as I had already been working in the engineering department there, so it gave me the chance to carry on doing a job that I loved while learning new skills in college every Monday.”

Head of human resources at Folly Farm, Kate Torok, said: “Jack is our first team member to be put through an apprenticeship programme with Pembrokeshire College. We decided to venture into the apprenticeship training programme as we needed to bridge a skills gap - our engineers have a unique role with our vintage fairground and it has often been difficult to recruit engineers and develop skills for the future in this area.

“Although in its infancy, the training programme is proving to be successful, allowing Jack to build his practical skills for the future and a career with the park. He is highly-motivated and by working with our local college, Pembrokeshire College, we are also building a rapport for future training too.

“We also work with a local company, PRP Training, to deliver QCF qualifications to other members of the team, which include work based apprenticeships in subjects including team leading, management and customer service.

“We would definitely consider expanding the apprenticeship programme as it offers a great up-skilling opportunity and instills best practice into employees and allows them to learn about the needs of the business.”

Jack continued: “I am absolutely loving my apprenticeship - I still work at Folly Farm for most of the week, but now I get to focus more on working with vehicles and rides at the park so I can complete the practical side of the course. Every day is different.

“A lot of other apprentices on my course focus on car mechanics, but here I get to work outside on the vintage funfair and rides as part of a bigger team to ensure they’re safe for use and fix them if anything breaks, so there’s always a new challenge to work on.

“I have another year before I complete my Level 2 and then hope to move on to finish my Level 3 qualification. Doing an apprenticeship was the best decision for me, as I found that it’s the best way for me to learn and pick up new skills, and it has also allowed me to get skilled in a job that I’m passionate about.”

Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, said: “In Wales, the number of employers offering apprenticeships is on the rise and I’m encouraged to see organisations like Folly Farm committing to up-skilling their workforce.

“Apprenticeships represent one of the most practical and effective ways that businesses can access quality training and raise their skills levels. Apprenticeships enable employees to develop higher level technical and professional skills to train on the job and develop the job specific skills employers need to keep up with industry changes and demand.”

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.