Showcasing Sgiliau Môn
Apprentices from some of Ynys Môn’s (Anglesey’s) top employers descended on Westminster yesterday (31/10/22) to showcase not only the breadth of companies on the island but also how these businesses are using the apprenticeship scheme to train and develop a local workforce.
Hosted by Virginia Crosbie, Member of Parliament for Ynys Môn in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai - one of the UK’s leading further education providers and which includes the apprenticeship provision for North Wales and Anglesey’s Further Education College, the event offered MPs from across the political spectrum to find out more about Môn businesses and their talented apprentices.
Speaking at the event Virginia explained her motivation for hosting ‘Diwrnod Sgiliau Môn / Anglesey Skills Day’: “It’s been an honour to be able to host some of Anglesey’s businesses and young people here at Westminster.
“I love Anglesey and I will do anything I can to make it a better place for everyone to live - especially our young people. A big part of achieving this is for the island to be home to highly skilled and well-paid jobs. My Dad had to leave Wales to find work, I am determined that the current generation won’t be forced to do the same.
“It was great for my colleagues at Westminster to meet some of the fantastic companies we have here on Anglesey and introduce them to apprentices who are benefitting from quality training in the workplace.
“There is so much potential on Ynys Môn for renewable, nuclear and even hydrogen energy, a freeport or to grasp the investment opportunities that will come with Levelling-Up.”
Attending the event was Babcock Group, in 2016 the company launched an Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme based at RAF Valley on Anglesey in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. The scheme so far has seen 61 apprentices training at RAF Valley with Babcock Group, the vast majority of whom continue to develop their careers with the company.
Holyhead Marine Services Ltd, an international boat building company based in Holyhead also attended with current apprentice Connor Williams, the company has a strong track record of employing apprentices. Nick Colin York, Managing Director from Holyhead Marine explained:
“Holyhead Marine designs and builds commercial and military craft. We recently delivered two 16m Fire Boats for the London Fire Brigade. Our commitment to the apprenticeship scheme goes all the way back to the 1980s; we've trained over 50 apprentices to date, with one recently promoted to supervisor. I’m very proud to be here today representing Holyhead Marine just a stone’s throw away from the Thames where new fire boats are stationed.”
Dafydd Evans, CEO Grŵp Llandrillo Menai also commented:
“I’m delighted to be at Westminster today showcasing Sgiliau Môn, we’re immensely proud of the contribution these young people are making in their communities.
“The event today reflects how Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s works with businesses and young people to build careers and create opportunities for the to develop the skills they need to go on to have successful and fulfilling careers.”
Also attending was Ynys Môn eaterie The Oyster Catcher at Rhosneigr, Carelink Homecare Services Ltd a North Wales company that supports individuals across Ynys Môn to live independently in their own homes and Anglesey County Council (Cyngor Sir Ynys Mon), the council employs apprentices in a wide range of trades from plumbing and heating to customer service and management.
Diwrnod Sgiliau Môn / Anglesey Skills Day was hosted by Virginia Crosbie and sponsored by Bechtel, Sizewell C, Last Energy, Read Construction and WSP.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
