A man who has grabbed his second chance with both hands after turning his life around to set the foundations for a career to support his family, is in contention to win a major award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015.
Sean Williams, 27, who lives in St Asaph, is one of three finalists shortlisted in the Foundation Apprentice of the Year category at the high profile awards ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Thursday, October 29.
The coveted awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training and demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation, creativity and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and media partner is Media Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Sean is a supervisor with Thorncliffe Abergele, a waste recycling business in Abergele, where he has achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship in Sustainable Resource Management. He is now working towards an Apprenticeship with learning provider Cambrian Training Company and hopes to progress to a Higher Apprenticeship.
He was taken on after being introduced to the company by a Probation Service programme, “8 ways to change your life” and offered work experience. Following his release from prison, he had been unemployed for six months and feared he had little prospect of work due to his criminal record.
However, Thorncliffe Abergele gave him a chance and he has rewarded the company by working hard and showing an eagerness to learn how to run and maintain new machinery to bale waste to be used as refuse derived fuel.
“I have challenged myself to change my whole life to one that focuses on my family and providing for them rather than a life of crime,” said Sean. “I had watched friends from school grow up and achieve but it always seemed out of my grasp until now.
“My learning has impacted on everyday life, improving confidence, organisational skills, time management and the attitude to pass onto my daughter that you can succeed when you work hard.
“Since starting a Foundation Apprenticeship I have taken every opportunity given to me to progress and create a career for myself and I have recognised that education and training plays a huge part in this. It will help me personally develop, help the business I work for to grow, as well as creating a sustainable future for my young family.”
Thorncliffe Abergele site manager Steve Harper said: “Sean is a very hard working, determined individual who sets a great example to others who have made some wrong choices, showing them that it is possible to successfully turn their lives around.”
The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James congratulated Sean and the other 36 award finalists. “We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” she said.
“Equally important are the training providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices. Developing skilled young people is vital for our economy. The Welsh Government is committed to training programmes such as Apprenticeships but investment must be a shared responsibility with the education sector, businesses and individuals.”
Picture caption:
Sean Williams at work at Thorncliffe, Abergele
For further information contact Duncan Foulkes on Tel: 01686 650818 or 07779 785451 or email: duncan.foulkes@btinternet.com or Karen Smith, NTfW communications and marketing manager, on Tel: 02920 495861
