College foundations helped Aled build successful career in New Zealand
Former apprentice Aled Wynne Hamilton is now running two businesses on the other side of the world with wife Jess
Aled Wynne Hamilton says his apprenticeship through Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor laid the foundations for running two successful businesses in New Zealand.
Originally from Machynlleth, Aled now lives in Paihia, known as the gateway to the sandy beaches and surfing hotspots of the Bay of Islands.
With more than two decades’ experience in the construction industry, Aled and his wife Jess co-own Bay of Islands Bricklaying, as well as holiday company Elite Excursions.
Aled believes his time with Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor gave him the best possible start to a career which has taken him across the world.
“My career began with a structured NVQ Level 3 apprenticeship in bricklaying, which provided a solid foundation of skills through both college-based learning and on-site experience,” he said.
“Since qualifying, I have worked in London, across the UK, in Australia and New Zealand, gaining a wide range of experience across residential, commercial, and architectural projects.
“My apprenticeship training not only made it easier to secure work internationally but also played a key role in obtaining my building licence and running successful businesses in New Zealand.”
Aled feels apprenticeships give people scope to enhance their future prospects, saying: “Over the years I have taken pride in mentoring apprentices and younger tradespeople, passing on the same hands-on knowledge and guidance that helped me early in my career.
“I strongly believe that apprenticeships are one of the best routes for young people entering the building industry. They offer a structured and balanced pathway - combining on-the-job learning with classroom education - to develop both technical competence and confidence.
“Many young workers who go straight onto sites risk being limited to repetitive or unskilled work without much opportunity for growth. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, allow trainees to gain hands-on experience with proper guidance, ensuring they build essential trade skills early on.”
Aled and his wife founded Bay of Islands Bricklaying in 2021, while last year they drew on Jess’s strengths in customer service and hospitality to establish Elite Excursions, a tourism venture offering visitors an authentic and scenic experience of the Bay of Islands.
He advocates the apprenticeship route for anyone who hopes to one day have their own construction business, saying: “Having personally benefited from an apprenticeship, I encourage young people to take this path.
“It not only builds strong career foundations but also opens up opportunities around the world and provides the experience needed to eventually run their own business in the construction industry.”
Do you want to work in construction? Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers courses from Level 1 right up to degree level, including apprenticeships. Learn more here or go to gllm.ac.uk/courses/construction-and-the-built-environment