Welsh Government
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Deputy Minister offers congratulations to Apprentice of the Year

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates has taken the opportunity to meet the winner of Bridgend College’s Apprentice of the Year. 

Twenty-three year old Dale Hames from Aberdare is undertaking a Diploma in Horticulture Level 3. Dale completed his Essential Skills Wales Application of Number and Communication Level 2 and IT Level 1, and has achieved 90% through his NVQ.  He has also completed Brush Cutting training through Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT) County Borough Council. In addition, he achieved a bronze medal in the 2013 Royal Horticultural Society Cardiff show.  Dale’s apprenticeship ends in September 2014, and he has been offered a temporary position within RCT Council.

Dale, a keen cricketer, footballer and a Welsh speaker, received his award at a ceremony in Bridgend College earlier this month.  

During their meeting Dale told the Deputy Minister about the progress he has made:

“After leaving school I took a few courses but found it hard to find work. Since I started my apprenticeship my confidence has increased and I am now able to lead projects and motivate other learners and colleagues.  It has given me so many new skills and I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is considering what to do in their future career”.  

After meeting Dale in his office in Cardiff Bay, Ken Skates said:

“I was delighted to meet Dale and to be able to offer my personal congratulations to him on this well-deserved award.    

“Dale is a wonderful ambassador for apprentices in Wales. Apprenticeships like Dale’s offer young people the opportunity to experience the workplace, gain new skills and qualifications which, in turn, improve confidence and employability.

“Apprenticeships are valued by learners and employers alike. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people starting an apprenticeship in Wales in the past few years – just over 28,000 in 2012/13, compared to 17,900 in 2011/12 with success rates remaining well above 80%.

Matthew Williams, Head of Engage Training added:

“We were delighted to present our horticultural apprentice Dale Hames with this year’s Apprentice of the Year award which was thoroughly well deserved. This is the first time an apprentice from outside our engineering faculty has won this award, highlighting the expanding breadth of apprenticeships on offer at Engage Training.

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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