The Aspire Blaenau Gwent Shared Apprenticeship Programme showcased their best apprentices, who are placed in advanced manufacturing companies across the borough. There were six special awards presented throughout the evening, recognising those apprentices who had shown exceptional dedication and commitment throughout their frameworks.
The awards ceremony took place at The General Offices, Ebbw Vale on 28th November 2019 to a packed audience of host employers, apprentices, family and associated partners.
Apprentice of The Year, Jack Williams, received his award from Lee Waters, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport. Jack, an apprentice at Sogefi, was recognised for his outstanding work ethic, not only to the company but also dedication to his framework and work colleagues in both theory and practical work. Sogefi Group is a leading global supplier of original parts for the automotive industry with over 35 years’ experience. Sogefi designs, develops and produces filtration systems and flexible suspension components as well as air management and engine cooling systems.
Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said:
“As a government, we want Wales to be a prosperous and thriving nation. The Aspire apprenticeship programme is playing a vital role in delivering exactly that through workplace learning opportunities and helping businesses to grow.
“It has accelerated skills development and acted as an enabler for employers who want to embrace Artificial Intelligence and develop advanced manufacturing techniques, whilst empowering young people to develop the knowledge needed to unlock highly-skilled career opportunities.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists and I wish them the very best for the future.
| 2019 Award Category | Winner | Company | Presented by |
| Rising Star | Jack Haymen | Express Contract Drying | Richard Crook - Corporate Director Regeneration & Community Services |
| Outstanding Role Model | Declan Hughes | Continental Teves | Claire Sexton - Head of Finance Continental Teves |
| Aspire Blaenau Gwent Mentors Award | Marcus Dyke | GTEM | Graham Rees & Julie Robins Aspire Mentors |
| Host Employer of the Year | Liberty Steel | Liberty Steel | Lee Waters - AM Welsh Government |
| Apprentice of the Year | Jack Williams | Sogefi | Lee Waters - AM Welsh Government |
| Internal BGCBC Apprentice | Jordan Harley | BGCBC | Michelle Morris Managing Director BGCBC |
As recent winners of the ‘Large Employer of The Year’ category at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, the Blaenau Gwent Shared Apprenticeship Programme has been recognised nationally for their contribution in developing links with local business, in combination with an impressive success rate for progressing apprentices into full time employment.
The scheme was established between industry, education and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. It is funded via Welsh Government and Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone to facilitate and support local businesses by recruiting apprentices, with an aim of filling the growing skills gap
within local manufacturing. Initially focusing on engineering, the programme has now developed into providing apprenticeship placements for a wide range of fields that include Mechanical Engineering, Financial, I.T and Commercial Apprenticeship pathways.
The Aspire Blaenau Gwent Shared Apprenticeship Programme team are on hand for any Advance Manufacturing companies and businesses based within Blaenau Gwent who would like to find out more about employing an apprentice. Please contact Aspire on 01495 355508 or email SAP@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk for further advice and information.