Showcasing Council apprentice success this National Apprenticeship Week
Dathlu llwyddiant prentisiaid y Cyngor yn ystod Wythnos Genedlaethol Prentisiaethau
Two Pembrokeshire County Council apprentices are celebrating their successes this Apprenticeship week – with one promotion and one national award secured.
One of a trio of digital apprentices who joined the authority in 2023 is celebrating securing a promotion within his team while a member of the Passenger Transport Depot has been recognised with the Foundation Apprentice of the Year, at the annual Skills Academy Wales Awards.
As the UK champions National Apprenticeship Week (9th-15th February) Pembrokeshire County Council is congratulating Olly Richards, who has been promoted to IT Developer, and Dean Turner who is now a full time bus/coach driver with the authority.
ICT apprenticeships were introduced in 2023 to help solve issues around recruitment, with Olly one of three who stepped up.
Dean joined the Council as an apprentice driver in 2024 and was the first person to embark on this type of Apprenticeship with the authority, taking up his full-time position in August last year.
ITU Operational Manager Matthew Johns, said: “I was delighted to hear that Dean’s hard work and commitment was to be celebrated with this fantastic award. He is a fantastic addition to the team and we’re extremely proud of his success.”
Olly’s manager, Head of ICT Lee McSparron, added: “We are very proud of Olly, who has been a great ambassador for the ICT Apprentice Programme. With his drive and positive attitude Olly has rapidly grown his digital knowledge and skills through supportive mentoring and building technology solutions that are improving the way we delivery services through technology.
“All three of our apprentices will have continued opportunities to develop their education and training with the service, the scheme has been an asset to the directorate as well as the young people involved”, said Lee McSparron, Head of ICT.
Last year ten new apprentices joined the Building Maintenance team as part of an expanded programme with specialisms in Construction Management and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
These ten apprentices followed four others who were part of an initial cohort and who are now all employed within the Council.
The growth of the programme highlights the Council’s continued dedication to helping local people build meaningful careers.
A recent PPA report highlighted the programme as a case study of an area of strength across the Council.
Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young Persons, Community, Well-being and Future Generation, said: “Apprenticeships open doors for young people, helping them build practical skills, confidence and strong career prospects. Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to investing in opportunities that help our young people thrive, and it’s inspiring to see the difference apprenticeships make to individuals and to our community as a whole.”
Pictured – Olly Richards with IT apprentices Lewis Allen and Keegan King.
Bus driver apprentice award winner Dean Turner with Frances Lee from event sponsors Agored Cymru.