The 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships aims to showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships.
The theme for the week this year is ‘Build the Future’.
At Pobl, we’ll be marking the occasion by sharing stories each day from apprentices who are currently employed on our development sites across Wales. Employment opportunities such as apprenticeships are an important part of the community benefits that our new developments offer to local communities.
This is a great example of how housing organisations and contractors can work together to create training and employment opportunities that will not just benefit local young people, but also the future of the sector, and demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in the communities where we work.
Steffan Thomas
Steffan, from Llangadog in Carmarthenshire, has been working for Jones Brothers (Henlan) Ltd. for around a year and a half as a carpentry apprentice. His role includes a number of tasks from putting in electrical and gas boxes to doing 1st and 2nd fix carpentry including fascia soffit and guttering.
Steffan talks about what he enjoys about his role:
“Each day is different to the next. I enjoy working as a team with people to try and solve things, and that you are given responsibility on your own to solve some problems. My favourite thing about my role is that I get to meet different people every day and that you're continuously learning new things.”
Steffan has found that he’s learnt and developed a lot through his apprenticeship:
“The role has helped me to improve my communication and teamwork skills, and I really enjoy the sense of pride you get when you’ve completed a job.”
Alongside his work on site, Steffan is currently towards a NVQ Level 3 Award in carpentry in Ammanford college. He is looking to move forwards in the industry:
“In the future I’m hoping to still be working in the construction industry doing carpentry and hopefully work my way up the construction ladder to better myself and get a better future.
His message to others considering a career in construction is clear:
“I'd definitely recommend people get into the construction industry, as you learn many different life skills. There are many different opportunities be it as a carpenter, bricklayer or a groundwork, or becoming an engineer or a site manager.”
“We are proud to see our apprentices gain the knowledge and experience required to help them succeed on their career path with Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd.” Andrew Giles, Quality Compliance Manager
