Coleg Menai and NRS Strengthen Partnership for Future Nuclear Workforce
During a recent visit to Coleg Menai’s Llangefni campus, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) met with staff and the current cohort of apprentices working across the group’s North Wales sites. The visit aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between Coleg Menai and NRS, while exploring further opportunities for apprenticeships and regional workforce development.
Coleg Menai Engineering Programme Area Manager Eurfon Davies said: “We were delighted to hear from John Vickerman and colleagues from both NRS and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai about their perspectives around skills, workforce development, and future opportunities regarding the Nuclear sector in Anglesey and North Wales.”
The visitors also had the opportunity to meet and engage with current NRS apprentices during a networking lunch.
“It was inspiring to hear first-hand about their experiences and career journeys,” Eurfon added.
Among those sharing their stories was Gruffudd Lewis, a Nuclear Working Wales Apprentice, who discussed his reasons for choosing this pathway.
"It was my perfect pathway to building a professional career while staying close to home in Trawsfynydd,” Gruffudd said. “I’ve always enjoyed maths, so the calculations involved in ensuring we comply with safety laws and managing the health physics side of the work really appeals to me. I love the responsibility."
One of the highlights of Gruffudd’s journey so far was representing NRS in Parliament this year.
“I was chosen as one of only two apprentices to represent NRS at Nuclear Week in Parliament 2026,” he said. “Speaking directly with MPs Liz Saville Roberts and Ben Lake about the vital decommissioning work and safety principles happening right here in Wales was an incredible honour."
Gruffudd also highlighted that these apprenticeships are not age-dependent or restricted to those with an engineering background, proving it’s never too late to change careers.
“I started this path at 36 with a background in sport, and it proves you are never too old to pivot,” he explained. “Now, having just completed my NVQ Level 2 and been offered a permanent role as a Health Physics Monitor, I don't want to stand still! I'm excited to continue my education and progress further into a leadership role."
Tesni Mai Evans, also a Nuclear Working Wales Apprentice, shared how the apprenticeship route has fast-tracked her career and allowed her to build industry connections from day one.
"It gave me an invaluable head start by allowing me to network and connect with industry professionals right from the beginning," Tesni said. “I love the sheer variation in the learning. A real highlight for me was traveling down to Bristol for a conference, where I got to take part in team-building exercises and connect with other apprentices who are in the exact same boat as me.
“Looking ahead, my goal is to keep progressing through the industry, work across different sites, and follow this defined path to ultimately become fully qualified."
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai remains proud to work alongside NRS to build, nurture, and inspire the workforce of the future.
Eurfon Davies concluded: “A big thank you to everyone involved. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with NRS and working collaboratively in the future, so we can maintain high-quality apprenticeships and career opportunities for young people across Gwynedd and Môn.”
Interested in a Career Change? If you think an apprenticeship could be the right direction for you, visit our website to find out how to start your new career: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/course-type/apprenticeships
