Finalist Adam bridges the gap between work and qualifications
The signs are good for Adam Griffiths’ career.
Dealing with a health issue during his apprenticeship didn’t stop Adam Griffiths from achieving a distinction star in his first year and a full-time job at the end of the programme.
Wanting to develop a career in civil engineering, he began a Civil Engineering Technician apprenticeship with Bridgend College and worked with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
While on the programme, he suffered symptoms of an aneurysm and had to miss lectures and work during the time he spent in hospital. Despite this, he achieved the distinction in his first year and went on to achieve a BTEC Level 3 Diploma Construction and Built Environment and Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians together with other qualifications.
Due to his success, he has been shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year accolade at the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on October 20.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the coveted awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and supported by media partner, Media Wales.
Thirty star learners, employers and learning providers involved in the delivery of successful skills programmes across Wales have been shortlisted for the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
The awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeship programmes.
“I have worked hard over the past two years to achieve the marks I have been awarded and though I have encountered obstacles and difficulties, I have persevered, given my best and overcome these challenges,” said Adam, 28, from Ynysybwl.
Adam has been instrumental in developing several ICT projects during this time and is now a full-time technical support assistant and is about to undertaken a HND in Civil Engineering.
Maria Jones, apprenticeship co-ordinator for Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, said: “Adam’s enthusiasm, willingness to learn and desire to use innovative approaches to improve or develop systems has made him an important member of our team. He has great potential to advance in the engineering profession.”
Praising the standard of applicants this year and congratulating Adam on being shortlisted for an award, Skills and Science Minister, Julie James said: “This year’s shortlisted entrants include exceptional individuals who have excelled in their workplace and learning providers and employers that have gone the extra mile to support the apprentices they are working with. Their stories never cease to amaze and inspire.
“Apprenticeships and vocational skills training are essential ingredients of economic success and vital tools in building a stronger, fairer and more equal Wales.
“These awards provide a perfect platform to celebrate success and reward the hard work and dedication of learners, employers and training providers across Wales. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the night.”
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