Grŵp welcomes Mark Isherwood MS to discover impact of apprenticeships
The North Wales Senedd member saw how industry-led training is providing skills and powering workforce growth in the vital energy and health sectors
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai welcomed Mark Isherwood MS to its Rhyl campus as he explored the impact and potential of apprenticeships.
The regional member for North Wales met RWE Offshore Wind programme apprentices at Coleg Llandrillo’s Engineering Centre, and saw first-hand how industry-led training is developing the next generation of engineers.
Mr Isherwood also visited Cadwgan doctor’s surgery in Old Colwyn, where he heard how work-based learning pathways are supporting workforce growth across the NHS and primary care.
He met Kelci Smith, an apprentice studying her Level 3 Diploma in Primary Care Health Care Support through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s work-based training arm.
Mr Isherwood said: “Following the success of the Colegau Cymru Apprenticeships Fair in the Senedd in February this year, I was asked to visit some of the colleges in North Wales to see the provision and variety of apprenticeship programmes.
“It was a real pleasure to visit Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Rhyl campus as part of my tour to see the apprenticeship offerings within their fantastic Engineering Centre. I enjoyed meeting and chatting with some of the apprentices and learning more about how these schemes are helping people to achieve their career goals.
“During my visit to Cadwgan doctor’s surgery in Old Colwyn, I learnt more about the benefits of apprenticeships and spoke with Kelci Smith, a learner who completed her certificate in Primary Care and then progressed to a full diploma via the apprenticeship route.
“It was really inspiring to meet all the apprentices during my visits. Their passion and determination give me great confidence in the future of our workforce and our country.”
Rhianwen Edwards, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s director of commercial and work-based learning, said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools we have to address skills shortages while offering meaningful career progression.
“What Mark saw today is proof of how collaborative partnerships between employers and providers can attract new people into vital industries and are delivering results for individuals, businesses and communities across North Wales.”
Learn more about Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s apprenticeships here.