Rhoose apprentice with a passion for aircraft shortlisted for national award
Apprentice Christopher Selio at work
A 19-year-old man from Rhoose, near Barry in South Wales has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award that recognises the outstanding achievements of learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality apprenticeships across Wales.
Christopher Selio, who works for British Airways Maintenance at Cardiff (BAMC), is one of 19 finalists in six categories of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation Wales (NTfW). Welsh Government apprenticeship programmes are part funded by the European Social Fund.
The winners will be announced at a high profile presentation ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Wednesday, November 16. The main sponsor of the awards, which aim to showcase excellence in skills development in Wales, is Pearson and the media partner for the event is Media Wales.
Christopher started his three-year Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship with BAMC in 2010.
He spent the first year of the Foundation Apprenticeship at the International Centre for Aerospace Training at Cardiff and Vale College. Now in his second year, he is at college one day a week studying for a BTEC in Aeronautical Engineering and the rest of his time he works with the BAMC team at Cardiff Airport.
“I feel that I have come a long way since starting the apprenticeship,” said Christopher. “My knowledge of aircraft is growing and I am working more confidently with a group of people of all ages. I give 100% to every piece of work and have set myself high targets for the year.”
His team leader Paul Constable said: “During his short time with BAMC Chris has developed a great understanding of the aviation industry. His work is of a consistently high standard and he has an excellent attitude – nothing is too much trouble for him.”
Christopher has been shortlisted in the Foundation Apprentice of the Year category. The other award categories are: Apprentice of the Year, Young Apprentice of the Year, Medium Employer of the Year, Large Employer of the Year and Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.
Around 250 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.
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert said: “I have been encouraged by the extremely high standard of this year’s finalists and the variety across all ages and sectors, which shows the strength of apprenticeship delivery in Wales.
“Irrespective of whether or not they collect an award, the 19 finalists are all winners. Each has an inspiring story to tell, making them true ambassadors for apprenticeship programmes in Wales.
“The Welsh Government is committed to creating more apprenticeship opportunities for young people in Wales and continuing to support employers who are willing to offer high quality apprenticeship places.”
The NTfW is a network of 90 quality assured learning providers, which has links to 35,000 employers across Wales.
President Lord Ted Rowlands said: “Apprenticeship Awards Cymru showcases and celebrates the achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training, demonstrated initiative and enterprise, innovation and creativity and shown an understanding and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.”
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