Gower College Swansea joined up with the Lifelong Learning & Employment Training Service (LLETS) and 96.4FM The Wave to celebrate Apprentice Week 2015.
Roving reporter Claire Scott spent time visiting apprentices and employers across the city to hear about their experiences.
First up was the college’s Kingsway Hair Academy where Claire met apprentice Matthew Roberts and his employer, Floyds Salon owner Mary Halloran. Both spoke about the excellent working relationship they enjoyed with Gower College Swansea and the support they received throughout the apprenticeship process.
At Highgate Day Nursery in Morriston, Director Jane Lewis was joined by apprentice Chloe and Claire, who entertained the pre-school children with an exciting Peppa Pig story.
Later in the week, the focus switched to the Engineering department at the Tycoch campus where Claire met with two female apprentices, Lydia Moss and Elizabeth Roberts, before moving on to the DVLA in Morriston and an interview with apprentice Luke Godrich and his employer Emma Lewis.
The twist in the proceedings was that Claire had to try her hand at practical activities throughout the week alongside the apprentices – and risk being ‘hired’ or ‘fired’ in true Alan Sugar-style. While she did exceptionally well when demonstrating her haircutting and storytelling skills, Claire had to admit defeat with the pneumatics board in engineering and faced her only ‘fired’ of the week.
The aim of Apprentice Week, which is supported by the Welsh Government, is to raise awareness among employers of the benefits of employing apprentices. It also highlights the range of opportunities available for young people to improve their skills and earn while they learn.
Read more about Gower College Swansea Apprenticeships
