Global aviation company shortlisted for national apprenticeship award
GE Aviation Wales’ apprentice co-ordinator Andy Reid with apprentices Scott Bowden and Ben Williams.
A global aviation company with a base in Wales, which invests more than £1million a year in its Apprenticeship Programme, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Nantgarw-based GE Aviation Wales is a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014 and will be attending a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31.
The awards, divided into 13 categories, 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.
As a global aviation company, GE Aviation Wales must ensure it has well-equipped, trained and qualified employees. Apprentices are an intrinsic part of the company’s fabric, not only ensuring well-trained employees, but encouraging new ideas and the development of procedures that enhance the global business.
Over the past 12 months, the company has employed 23 apprentices and currently employs more than 150 engineering apprentices, interns and graduates. The company works with Coleg y Cymoedd in providing its Apprenticeship Programme, which over the last 20 years has supported more than 500 apprentices.
“Apprentices are a vital part of our training programmes which create a dynamic environment, developing our business and maintaining it as a global leader in our field,” said Andy Reid, apprentice co-ordinator and shared services leader.
“Through our continued investment in skills and training, we have been able to further boost our operating performance and increase the productivity of the business.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most practical and cost effective ways for a business to build a skilled workforce. An apprentice can learn the skills an employer needs to keep pace with developments in their industry and deliver the service customers demand.
“I am delighted that employers like GE Aviation share the Welsh Government’s commitment to training our future workforce.”
More than 400 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 Culinary Team Wales.
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