The performance of Aspire Blaenau Gwent Shared Apprenticeship Programme has been recognised in a report to the Blaenau Gwent Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.
Initially created in 2015 with funding from Welsh Government Aspire has continued to deliver each year and was recognised in 2019 and 2021, at the Apprenticeships Awards Cymru (AAC), by winning the ‘Large and Macro Employer of the Year’ Award. To win the award for the second time, which was during the pandemic, shows their commitment and support that the team has shown to their apprentices and employers.
The programme provides a platform for young people to access apprenticeship opportunities in the region. This is facilitated by the programme management team who liaise with local colleges and the apprenticeship learning provider to ensure a seamless learning experience and successful outcome.
To date the programme has supported 101 apprentices placed in 25 Manufacturing companies across Blaenau Gwent with 51% of apprentices (in Cohorts 1, 2 and 3) progressing onto higher education or Higher National Certificates (HNC). Many have been recognised for their commitment such as Jordan Harley who won the Accounts Technician category at the Finance Awards Wales 2021.
Aspire Blaenau Gwent has continued to grow and in 2017 expanded to include provision in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. The success within the two local authorities proves that a coordinated approach is further providing local employers with skilled young people to meet regional needs.
Councillor Dai Davies, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development commented:
“The Blaenau Gwent Aspire and Aspire Merthyr teams are making a great contribution to improving skill levels for employers and creating job opportunities for our young people through their Shared Apprenticeship Programme. It is really pleasing to see the apprentices gaining higher qualifications and I am sure they will develop successful careers particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering, science and IT, I wish them every success for the future”.