An Anglesey business set up by former Anglesey Aluminium shop floor workers welcomed Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones to their depot this week.
The Ynys Môn AM, who is standing down from Plaid’s leadership in March, met with Môn Maintenance directors to learn about the success and scale of their engineering and electrical maintenance operation.
Commenting on his visit, Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “I have nothing but admiration for their drive and commitment, not only in taking the brave step of setting up their own business, but also in their determination to do this on Anglesey and to invest in young local people through apprenticeship schemes.”
The Holyhead based business was set up by four men who all worked on the same shift at the former Holyhead smelting plant.
Andrew Samuel, Stephen Evans, Andrew Williams and Wayne Allman said they were determined to give something back to their community.
“We’ve known each other for over 20 years with Stephen and Andrew Williams having been through an apprenticeship at Anglesey Aluminium and Wayne Allman having served his time in Holyhead Boatyard and Andrew Samuel in the Merchant Navy with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service, so we know from first-hand experience how vital apprenticeships are to the industry,” said Stephen Evans, 40, from Holyhead.
“One of our goals from the start was to train local young people, passing on our knowledge, and with recent developments such as Wylfa B hopefully we can help fill the imminent trade gap when the time comes for nuclear new build.”
The company currently employ two local apprentices Daniel Williams, 18, from Holyhead and Ryan Thomas, 17 also from Holyhead, through Coleg Menai’s training and business consultancy arm, Linc Menai, who have set up an apprenticeship employment agency to up-skill local workers.
Despite their skills as mechanical engineers and an electrician, the four said they benefited from Linc Menai’s apprenticeship schemes.
“Coleg Menai’s apprenticeship scheme are tailored to meet local business requirements ensuring both the employers and employees get the maximum benefits,” said Coleg Menai’s Engineering and Energy development officer Glenn Williams.
“It has enabled them to employ Daniel and Ryan who had both completed a 1 year Pathway to apprenticeship scheme at Coleg Menai.”
“Môn Maintenance was one of the initial group of companies in North West Wales to benefit from our Apprenticeship Employment Agency – Cwmni Prentis Menai, which provides additional funding to enable companies working in the nuclear sector to take on apprentices.”
Andrew Samuel, Managing Director of Môn Maintenance said: “We are extremely pleased with Daniel and Ryan’s progress, we have seen a vast improvement in their confidence, commitment and enthusiasm during this short time.
“It is reassuring that our local AM, showed a keen interest in assisting local businesses, particularly in these difficult economic times.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones added: “It’s vital that we have local young people like Daniel and Ryan with the right training behind them to meet the demand from future employers on the island for skilled workers in the energy industry. I would encourage anyone interested in an apprenticeship to get in touch with Linc Menai.”
If you are a local worker wanting to take advantage of the apprenticeship schemes or would like further information please contact 08455 460 460 or visit www.linc.menai.ac.uk.
