What National Apprenticeship Week means to me

This week marks National Apprenticeship Week in both England and Wales, which celebrates apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

In my role as apprenticeship officer at CITB, I see first-hand how much young people achieve from undertaking an apprenticeship.

I joined CITB in 2007, originally joining the Ceredigion region before I became heavily involved with the pilot of the Shared Apprenticeship Programme in South West Wales.

Now I primarily deal with traditional apprenticeships in Coleg Sir Gar and cover the picturesque Carmarthenshire area.

When I think of my career and life to date, it’s true to say that construction has always played a big part in it. I come from a family of tradespeople: my father and his three brothers followed my grandfather in learning a trade.

Dad and his brother have their own bricklaying business and my uncles are carpenters. When I was younger, I helped my father out with labouring during weekends and summer holidays.

During my time with CITB, I have managed over 400 apprentices, including Ronia Griffiths who last year won the Pride of Construction Apprentice of the Year award and the Wales Apprentice of the Year award.

I was delighted when Ronia won both awards. It’s fantastic to see someone I mentored now being a role model to younger people.

She is a prime example of how apprenticeships can be so very rewarding and I’m sure she will continue to go far within the industry.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is seeing previous apprentices who I have helped building a good career in construction.

Many have excelled in the industry and are now employing their own CITB apprentices. I feel a huge sense of achievement seeing past apprentices doing so well and even more pride when I see them passing on their skills and training to the next generation. That is one of the best parts of my job: you really do see the difference you are making.

With our latest CSN figures forecasting 230,000 new roles to be created across Great Britain, with Wales predicted to have the strongest growth; there really has never been a better time for people to consider an apprenticeship.

CITB has been around for over 50 years and there is no doubt that the ethos of an apprenticeship officer has remained consistent; we recruit well and we support apprentices through what is one of the best career routes available, a CITB apprenticeship.