Tai Ceredigion has recently invested in its own apprenticeship scheme and taken on seven new apprentices to join the Association’s Direct Labour Organisation, working from Cardigan, Aberystwyth and their headquarters based in Lampeter. The apprentices come from across Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire and study at both Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gâr.
The young apprentices, ranging from teens to twenties in age, are working across the repairs and maintenance sector which involves carpentry, plumbing, masonry and electrical trades. They are being expertly mentored by a host of senior staff at Tai Ceredigion and will be learning on the job while studying for their qualifications at college.
Within the new team is the first female electrician for the Housing Association, Alex Mather from Llanarth. She joins Tai Ceredigion for one day a week from Coleg Ceredigion. Alex said “It is a great opportunity for me to put my new skills to the test and learn on the job. I can now study and obtain work experience at the same time. There should be more women in these trades and studying these courses. I encourage other women to apply as it is very satisfying course and skill to have.”
Scott Evans from Llanllwi, an apprentice carpenter, and Jack Townsend from Cardigan, an apprentice electrician, both already have brothers working within Tai Ceredigion’s Direct Labour Organisation. They said “We both knew that joining Tai Ceredigion’s apprenticeship scheme would be very useful for our training. It is a great scheme and organisation to work for.”
Sam Harris, the apprentice plumber from Carmarthen said “Being given this opportunity in this difficult time to find employment has been a lifeline. I can now study at college and work with Tai Ceredigion at the same time. I feel really lucky.”
Steffan Foulkes, another apprentice electrician from Machynlleth added “I am loving my placement so far. Everyone is extremely helpful and I am learning so much. It is great to get our hands dirty rather than just be stuck in the classroom all day.”
Llyr Edwards, Director of Property Services at Tai Ceredigion said “It was key that we developed our own apprenticeship schemes in order to create a young workforce with relevant skills and a real understanding of the housing sector. It was one of our promises in the Offer Document to our tenants and we are proud of our commitment to young people in the area. We would also like to thank our craftsmen within our DLO as they have taken on their new roles of mentors with great enthusiasm and willingness. We could not train the apprentices without them, so they are invaluable.”
