Hard work helps Alex Forge ICT Career
Apprentice Trainee Test Engineer Alex Dawe from Cardiff has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Alex, 18, is one of 28 finalists in nine categories of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).
The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru recognise the outstanding achievements of learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality Apprenticeships and Traineeships across Wales. Apprenticeship and Traineeship programmes in Wales are part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.
The winners will be announced at a high profile awards presentation ceremony at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on Wednesday, October 24, where the winners of the National Training Awards for Wales will also be recognised. The joint awards which will be attended by around 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales.
Sponsor of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, which aim to showcase excellence in skills development in Wales, is Pearson and media partner is Media Wales.
Alex, who now works at West Coast Labs, has been shortlisted in Traineeships Learner of the Year category
He didn’t enjoy school and his confidence was very low when he went along to ACT Training to help him improve his skills. As well as gaining qualifications, he learned about writing a CV, interview techniques and worked on his communication skills.
At first Alex, now 18, went on placement as a mechanic but this wasn’t right for him. He then tried a role in ICT, which he thoroughly enjoyed and was good at.
“I knew I wanted to work in ICT as a technician,” he said. “When I was offered an interview for a placement at West Coast Labs I really hoped I would get it but I wasn’t very confident that they would want me.”
Luckily they recognised his skills and his commitment to securing work, and offered him the placement. He worked there for four days each week alongside one day’s training at ACT. His confidence and skills developed, until he was offered an Apprenticeship with the company earlier this year.
Rhiannon Perry from ACT Training said: “Alex has learned that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals. In less than six months he has achieved Level One qualifications in numeracy and workskills, taken part in a successful interview and secured an Apprenticeship in his chosen field. He has put in so much hard work and he should be applauded for this.”
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert said: “These awards recognise excellence by individuals, employers and learning providers in delivering training. I am delighted with the standard of this year’s finalists and the variety across all ages and sectors, which shows the strength of the skills being delivered in Wales.
“All the finalists have an inspiring story to tell and are great ambassadors for apprenticeship and other programmes in Wales.
“The skills acquired through programmes, such as Apprenticeships, provide great benefits to individuals and employers, helping make Welsh businesses more competitive.
“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 116 quality assured work based training providers with links to 35,000 employers across Wales.
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