Apprentice Ashley’s motor career is in the fast lane
Apprentice Ashley Jones, whose career is in the fast lane after winning a string of awards at the age of 19, has been shortlisted for another prestigious apprenticeship accolade.
This time, the talented young man from Llanelli is in the running to become Foundation Apprentice of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2013, organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).
He is one of 36 finalists in 13 categories, the winners of which will be announced at a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 18.
Ashley Jones – career in the fast lane.
The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes across Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with the support of the European Social Fund.
Having completed a Foundation Apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Ashley is progressing to an apprenticeship, with hopes of competing in the UK and World Skills competitions next year.
He works at RJ Auto Centre in Gorseinon, Swansea, which was opened by his grandfather 27 years ago and is now run and owned by his father, Steve and uncle. His role in the business includes running the workshops and assisting with a Motor Factors enterprise.
“I have always wanted to work in the motor trade and carry on the family business,” said Ashley. “Since completing my Foundation Apprenticeship, I feel that I have been able to contribute more to the profitability of the workshops and the business in general.
“Long term, I would like to take over the family business and expand our workshops and open up more Motor Factors in Swansea to meet demand for them.
“Being shortlisted as a finalist for the Foundation Apprentice of the Year award is a way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today and also to give something back to the automotive industry, which I love.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates said: “The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru remind us of the incredible wealth of talent that Wales has to offer and the outstanding achievements of Wales’ learners, employers and learning providers.
“Apprenticeships play an integral role in our economy. Not only do they provide essential skills and qualifications, but are in themselves life-changing opportunities for young people and, for employers, a major investment that’s paying real dividend to their bottom line and in the skills of their workforce.
“We know that apprenticeships deliver real business benefits and that’s why the Welsh Government, with support from the European Social Fund, continues to invest heavily in opportunities for young people to take up apprenticeships and continues to support employers who want to invest in the future of their workforce.
“Through their passion and dedication, the finalists announced at this year’s awards will inspire countless others to strive for excellence and demonstrate the tremendous impact that vocational training can have. I wish all of our finalists the very best as they continue to make great contributions in their chosen fields.”
The other Foundation Apprentice of the Year finalists are Joshua Jenkins from Connah’s Quay and Paula Blundell from Bryn y Baal, near Mold.
Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.
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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