Apprenticeship paying dividends for wind power ambassador Dylan
Dylan Jones wants to become a role model for wind power industry.
Dylan Jones’ decision to follow the Apprenticeship route to a career as a wind turbine technician is paying dividends as he has been appointed as an ambassador for his employer and is in contention to win a major award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015.
The 20-year-old apprentice from Glantwymyn, near Machynlleth, is one of three finalists shortlisted in the Foundation Apprentice of the Year category at the high profile awards ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Thursday, October 29.
The coveted awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training and demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation, creativity and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and media partner is Media Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Dylan, who works for RWE Innogy UK in Llanidloes, has attended Coleg Llandrillo Menai, Rhos-on-Sea where he has excelled.
He has achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship in Performing Engineering Operations and a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering with a distinction, together with additional qualifications. He now plans to progress to an Apprenticeship in wind turbine operations maintenance.
During his time with RWE Innogy UK, he represented the company and has spoken at a public planning meeting for a proposed windfarm development in Carmarthen, which was subsequently approved.
He also promotes renewable energy during talks to schools and guides groups of visitors around the college’s wind turbine centre. When not in college, he supports qualified technicians on maintenance and servicing work to ensure the optimum performance of wind turbines.
Having been trained to work on the latest technology in the sector, including gearboxless wind turbines, he hopes this knowledge will help his company win new maintenance contracts.
Originally planning to go to university after leaving Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, Machynlleth with four ‘A’ levels, he opted for an Apprenticeship and to earn while he learned when an opportunity arose at RWE Innogy UK.
“I decided to change my learning path because I felt that more practical based learning would suit me better and I have been able to earn a wage while learning,” said Dylan. “I am a hands on person who learns more by doing the work practically rather than in lectures.
“When I saw the advert for apprentice wind turbine technician I knew it was the best option for me, as it’s a growing industry near my home town that I had hoped to be involved in after going to university.
“I would love to win the Foundation Apprentice of the Year award to become a role model for the industry.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James congratulated Dylan and the other 36 award finalists. “We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” she said.
“Equally important are the training providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices. Developing skilled young people is vital for our economy. The Welsh Government is committed to training programmes such as Apprenticeships but investment must be a shared responsibility with the education sector, businesses and individuals.”
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