Apprenticeship is life changing for manager shortlisted for national award
Neil Meredith – apprenticeship has been life changing.
Completing an Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture has, in Neil Meredith’s own words, changed his life.
As a reward for his learning journey, the 28-year-old engineering manager from Abercynon has been shortlisted for a prestigious national apprenticeship award. He is one of three finalists in the Apprentice of the Year category at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014.
He will be among 36 finalists in 13 categories attending a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31. The awards are organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).
Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.
The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Neil thrives on new challenges and that’s how he came to work for Complete Core Business Solutions, a contract packing, warehousing and distribution company based in his home town.
Securing a post as maintenance engineer with the company, he completed his Apprenticeship in Engineering Operations with training delivered by VSP/TSW Training and was promoted to engineering manager last December.
Using his knowledge and skills, he worked closely with engineers supplying a new £750,000 production line before overseeing its installation and commissioning in addition to producing a training manual for colleagues.
His thirst for knowledge and skills continues unabated, as he is completing an ILM level 4 Leadership and Management qualification and is now seeking a HND in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering.
“Completing the Apprenticeship has completely changed my life,” said Neil. “The improvement in my inner confidence and communication skills has been a major factor for my success.”
Stephen Nicholls, a director of Complete Core Business Solutions, said: “Neil’s success is a classic example of the benefits of an Apprenticeship and how, when delivered and embraced correctly, it can be an inspiration for future generations of apprentices.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to start a successful career. You earn while you learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications. I am delighted that employers like Complete Core Business Solutions share the Welsh Government’s commitment to training the future workforce and I wish Neil every success in his career.”
More than 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team.
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