A group of students from Llanelli have all successfully landed prestigious engineering apprenticeships with manufacturing company Corus through study of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.
A total of sixteen boys from Ysgol Glan y Môr in Burry Port took part in an engineering focused course as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate study.
The qualification is designed around a Core which supplements traditional qualifications such as ‘A’ levels, NVQs and GCSEs. The Core is made up of elements including work-related education, personal and social education (including community participation), key skills, and an Individual Investigation.
As part of a work-based project with local manufacturing employer Corus the students worked together to engineer a can-crushing device giving them the opportunity to test their new engineering skills.
After completing their Welsh Baccalaureate Qualifications last year, all 16 students, who now attend Coleg Sir Gâr, in Llanelli, have successfully secured apprenticeships with local companies including Corus, an important step towards a career in engineering.
Stephanie Marks, Welsh Baccalaureate coordinator at Ysgol Glan y Môr, who has supported the students through their qualifications and work placements, believes that the rounded approach to education provided through the Welsh Baccalaureate increases their experience and opportunities. She said:
“The Welsh Baccalaureate is a great way for students to improve their confidence in all aspects of life, while at the same time developing academically.
“All the students undertook activities locally such as mentoring younger readers, organising a community disco and setting up the lighting for the school play, all of which they completed as part of the community participation element of the qualification.
“Together with the self-discipline and motivation required to undertake work placements in a real work environment, the Welsh Baccalaureate provides skills which really enhance the students’ self-confidence, helping to prepare them for the world of work and life in general.
“I am delighted that the students’ hard work has helped them secure apprenticeships and that they are well on their way to building successful engineering careers.”
Gayle Budden, HR advisor for Corus Packaging Plus added:
“At Corus we are always keen to support students in their education through work-based projects, apprenticeships and work placements, as we know the importance of developing skilled young people who are ready for the workplace.
“We are pleased to have been able to help the students hone their engineering skills in this way and wish them every success with their careers.”
Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, Leighton Andrews said:
“It is really encouraging to hear how the Welsh Baccalaureate is providing opportunities to widen young peoples’ education experiences and preparing them for their careers and futures.
“I am extremely pleased that schools such as Ysgol Glan y Môr are introducing the Welsh Baccalaureate into their curriculum and offering students the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits that it brings.”
