GE Aviation Wales nominated for top national apprenticeship award

Posted on by karen.smith

An international aerospace business based at Nantgarw has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

GE Aviation Wales is one of 36 finalists in 13 categories of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2013, organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). The business is shortlisted for the Large Employer of the Year award.

GE Aviation Wales’ HR Leader Chris Doherty with apprentices Katie Richards, Matthew Prosser and Jade Babbington.

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.

The winners will be announced at a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 18.

As one of the largest aircraft engine maintenance facilities in the world, GE Aviation Wales employs a highly skilled workforce to work on some of the most complex engines in the industry.

The apprenticeship programme at the Nantgarw-based facility has ensured a constant feed of fresh talent into the business for more than 20 years. Apprenticeships form an integral part of the company’s recruitment, with more than 150 engineering apprentices, graduates and interns working at the facility.

“Skilled people are the building blocks of successful businesses and the apprenticeship programme is part of our wider long term succession planning, ensuring we have an adequate supply of engineers and a continuous pipeline of talent,” said Chris Doherty, HR Leader.

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.”

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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