Over 100 young people attend Torfaen Apprenticeship Fair organised by local MP
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP organised a Torfaen Apprenticeship Fair (Friday 11th July) which brought together over 100 young people from St Alban’s RC High School, Cwmbran High, and Croesyceiliog School, over 20 employers across a range of industries, as well as apprenticeship training providers, and careers advisers.
The Apprenticeship Fair – which was held at Coleg Gwent’s Torfaen Learning Zone in Cwmbran – allowed year 10 pupils the chance to discuss with employers and training providers the apprenticeship opportunities that are available to them across South Wales.
Employers from across the country see apprenticeships as a vital way to recruiting future talent, address a skills shortage within the workforce, and grow their business. The Apprenticeship Fair offered the employers chance to showcase their apprenticeship programmes to potential future apprentices.
During the 2023/24 academic year, there were 21,625 apprenticeship starts in Wales, with 745 across Torfaen.
Amongst the employers were Torfaen businesses such as GOS Engineering, Cummins, Pro Steel Engineering, and Brickfab, in addition to companies that work across the UK such as National Grid, Airbus, and Network Rail.
Teams from apprenticeship training providers Coleg Gwent, Newport and District Training Group Association, and the Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme were also in attendance to promote the work they do in supporting employers with training apprentices.
Students were also able to speak to Careers Advisers from Careers Wales if they were looking for further support into the workplace, as well as help with CV writing and interview preparation.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said: “Apprenticeships provide valuable skills and training in a number of sectors, giving young people the solid foundation for a successful career.”
“As local MP, supporting businesses and pushing for opportunities for young people in Torfaen are absolute priorities, so I’m delighted I could deliver this event alongside local schools, businesses, and training providers.”
“Thank you to Coleg Gwent for hosting, and to all attendees and schools who joined us for such a worthwhile day.”
Richard Selby MBE DL, Managing Director of Pro Steel Engineering said: Recruiting apprentices has helped us grow our business whilst providing opportunities for people in our local community.
We were delighted to attend today’s event so we could share our growth plans for the future and inspire more local young people to consider a career with us whilst still learning.
Thank you to Nick Thomas-Symonds MP for organising such a valuable event.
Neil Gregory, Director GOS Tool & Engineering Services Ltd commented:
“Once again GOS are delighted to support Nick in pulling this event together and working alongside both National and Local Governments, Schools, Colleges and career services to provide this opportunity for young people in Torfaen to explore a range of apprenticeship opportunities that are available locally.”
Gwyn Gardiner, Plant Manager, Cummins said: “At Cummins, we believe apprenticeships are a powerful way to invest in the future. It was fantastic to engage with so many enthusiastic students and share how a career in engineering and advanced manufacturing can offer long-term opportunities for growth. We’re proud to be part of an event that’s serious about skills and giving young people a strong start.”
Emma Hughes Head of Upper Phase, Cwmbran High School said: “Thank you for hosting such an inspiring Apprenticeship Fair for our Year 10 pupils. The opportunity to engage directly with employers and explore a wide range of career pathways was truly invaluable.”
“Experiences like this on our doorstep, not only broaden their understanding of the world of work but also help them make more informed decisions about their future education and career goals. We are confident that the insights and connections gained from the event will have a lasting impact as our pupils begin to shape their aspirations and plan for life beyond school.”
Tom Lewis, Leader of Alternative Provision at Croesyceiliog School, said: “Croesyceiliog School would like to extend their thanks to Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and his team for setting up and inviting us to the Torfaen Apprenticeship Fair.
“It was particularly pleasing to see our pupils engaging so positively with a range of potential employers and broadening their horizons for the future.”
Karen Cuff, Assistant Headteacher at St Alban’s RC High School, said:
“An efficient and informative session for pupils to see the wealth of pathways available to them post-16. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed meeting and speaking to the employers. Diolch yn fawr iawn!”
