Apprenticeship Week Wales celebrates the positive impact of Apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the Welsh economy. It is a national event, with celebrations being held throughout the week by training providers and employers across the country.
How did we celebrate? This year ACT hosted a coffee tasting for employers, attended careers events across South and Mid-Wales, and introduced Ken Skates AM to their Apprenticeship employer, Molson Coors.
On Monday 4th March, Apprenticeship employer Molson Coors welcomed the Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM, to their Cardiff office. In addition to being given a tour of the site, the Minister met some of their Apprentices who had recently completed their ILM Level 3 and Customer Service Level 3 Apprenticeships and handed certificates to them. The Minister learnt how Molson Coors benefits as a business from Apprentices and discussed the strong links that ACT Training have built with Molson Coors over the last 4 years.
Ken Skates said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most important tools at our economy’s disposal. They can provide the perfect avenue into work, allow companies to find, nurture and develop staff and ensure our economy is supported by a workforce equipped to tackle the challenges of today and which are ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.
“The Welsh Government is determined to see Wales lead the way. Two years into our ambitious commitment to deliver 100,000 apprenticeships here in Wales by 2021, we are already seeing apprenticeships across all sectors make a significant contribution to our economy. And it’s an economy and a workforce that’s growing. The last few months have seen record levels of employment in Wales, with economic inactivity at a record low. This is testament to our ongoing work to drive prosperity and increase resilience within our economy, with Apprenticeships such an important part of this mix.
“So I’m delighted to be here to at the Molson Coors Brewing Company, one of the businesses whose customer services have felt the benefits of apprenticeships over recent years, to raise a toast to our Apprentices and their continued role at the heart of our economy.”
On Thursday 7th March, Welsh employers joined ACT and Skills Ambassador Jonathan Davies OBE at Little Man Coffee in Cardiff for breakfast and a coffee tasting with Manumit Coffee and Hard Lines Coffee.
A variety of Welsh employers attended the event, which was a great success, discussing the benefits of Apprenticeships for their business, workforce and the wider economy.
Throughout the week, ACT also spread the word about Apprenticeships to young people and their parents last week, attending careers events across South and Mid-Wales, talking about the benefits of choosing work-based learning as a career path.
ACT attended the Positive Pathways Powys event in Builth Wells, the Apprenticeship Fair at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, the Caerphilly County Borough Council Live Vacancy event in Ystrad Mynach, and the Careers Wales Choose Your Future event at Cardiff City Stadium.
It was great to meet and inspire young people to consider Apprenticeships.
If you haven’t already signed up for an Apprenticeship, what are you waiting for? Apply for one of our Apprenticeship vacancies here, or if you are currently employed, see the Apprenticeship routes we offer here.
