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New Council Apprentices Building a Bright Future

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The 13 recruits – men and women – will train for four years as the council develops a new generation of carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers and multi-trade personnel.

They will work on projects such as constructing top quality new schools and building new energy-efficient council homes.

The apprentices will work on key schemes such as bringing existing council homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Jen Raynor, the council’s cabinet member for education improvement, learning and skills, said:

“Hiring apprentices is an investment in the future of the council and the city.

“We’ve been recruiting apprentices for a number of years and applications are always oversubscribed thanks to our reputation for first-class training and producing high-quality trade and craftspeople.

“I wish our new recruits well and encourage others to apply in future. Of course, that includes women who – like men – can benefit from apprenticeships in all areas of the council’s work.”

Andrea Lewis, the council’s cabinet member for homes and energy, said:

“This new intake will build on the hugely successful apprenticeship programme run by our Building Services team.

“They’ll work on key schemes such as high-quality new council housing built to a new exacting Swansea Standard and bringing existing homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

“It’s an example of this council building for the future excellence, welfare and sustainability of our services and communities; it allows our staff to shine and gives us a greater chance to spend money where it’s needed, on public services.”

The recruitment, by the council’s corporate building services team, builds on the team's multi-award winning apprenticeship programme that has run for 16 years.

Since 2003, more than 200 apprentices have been recruited.  The new recruits go on to replace around 45% of trades people retiring from Building Services.

This year the team had 346 candidates after it advertised its opportunities. There were 13 recruits. The building services team has now recruited 60 apprentices since 2016. Colleagues in the team also undertake a range of other high-quality training.

New plumbing apprentice Yasmin Shipperley, aged 28, of Sketty, has recently been working in the field of eco-friendly grants.

The mum-of-one said: “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. A large part of it is that I can now be  a positive role model for my daughter Autumn, who’s eight, and young women around Swansea looking to get into construction.

“If I can help break down a few barriers for other people I’ll be really pleased.”

New multi-trades apprentice Paul Dell, aged 21, of Skewen, has recently been working in the private sector as a plasterer.

He said: “I wanted to be involved in something bigger and better so I’m delighted to have been taken on by the council.

“Working in multi-trades means that I get the chance to learn a wide range of new skills.”

Business News Wales