How CIST is helping people and businesses across North Wales

People and businesses across North Wales have benefited from training provided by the Centre for Infrastructure Skills and Technology (CIST).

CIST in Llangefni, run by Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, delivers specialist training and accredited qualifications in Construction, Civil Engineering, Carbon Reduction and Retrofit. See the full list of courses offered by CIST.

It specialises in accredited training for the construction sector, allowing small companies to develop and grow in a changing market. Many of its courses are fully funded, through schemes such as the Personal Learning Account, which empowers people to upskill and improve their career prospects.

Paul Carter, of plumbing and heating company Get Carter UK 365, accessed training in solar thermal and heat pump technologies, energy efficiency and water regulations through CIST.

He said: “The new skills we are learning through the project help us keep up to date and also mean we can evolve as a business. The courses have helped us build our capacity as a company and offer the renewable energy services that our customers are increasingly asking for.”

Steven Safhill-Jones accessed solar thermal, tendering and air source heat pump training for his company, Safhill-Jones Plumbing and Heating. He says upskilling has also helped him guide customers towards more energy-efficient, greener solutions.

He explained: “I’m in a position now to help change customers’ mindsets and improve their understanding of how they can make their homes work better for them. Importantly, the project has also helped me to build a network of people who work in the same field as me.”

Kate Robinson, who runs Robinson Electrical, can now install EV charging points thanks to her training through CIST, and has gained skills in solar panel and storage battery installation and maintenance.

She said: “This allows us to expand on the services we offer, and means we can advise customers on how to store energy and save more.”

The Personal Learning Account (PLA) offers training fully funded by the Welsh Government, for people who earn less than £32,371, or whose jobs are at risk.

From digital skills to net-zero qualifications, the opportunities are endless. Francesca Giacomet qualified as a gas engineer through the PLA, and said: “I have completed my Gas Safe Course and am now a qualified gas engineer.

“I work installing gas fires for Debrett Fires which I’m really enjoying. I’m really proud of myself for achieving my qualification. I have found a new passion for my job and as a bonus I earn more money for having my qualification.”

Gareth Hughes, CIST Centre Manager, said: “At the CIST Centre in Llangefni, we’re seeing real demand for skills in decarbonisation and green skills. PLA funding gives individuals the chance to develop those skills now, through fully funded, hands-on, industry-led training.”