You’re hired – National Assembly does its bit to tackle problem of youth unemployment

12 March 2014

The National Assembly for Wales is rolling out its apprenticeship programme after the pilot scheme proved a success.

All four apprentices from the first cohort have obtained full time posts within the Assembly since completing their apprenticeships.

This year six apprentices have been taken on, including one in the Assembly’s Colwyn Bay office for the first time.

All six began work on 3 February and have been invited, along with family and friends, to join the Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM, in the Senedd for an official welcome on 13 March.

“With youth unemployment running at such a high level in the current economic climate, we should all do everything we can to try to offer some young people the opportunity to develop their skills through work opportunities,” said Dame Rosemary.

“The National Assembly’s apprenticeship scheme has proved a great success in its first year and the first cohort of apprentices has proved an excellent addition to our teams across the organisation.

“I am delighted to welcome our newest recruits, along with their families, to the Senedd on what will hopefully be the beginning of a long and fruitful career for all of them.”

The apprentices are:

Rhea James, 19, from Swansea

Apprenticeship placement – Co-ordination Unit (Assembly Business Directorate)

“I’m Rhea James, I am 19 years old and I live in Swansea. My placement is in the Assembly Business Directorate Co-ordination Unit.  In my spare time I enjoy singing, reading and going to the cinema. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and abseiling.  I have recently taken up medieval sword fighting and I am training to be a bee keeper.  I also get involved in charity fund raising events.”

Joshua Phillips, 18, from Skewen

Apprenticeship Placement – Financial Services (Resources)

“My name is Josh Phillips (18, Skewen.Neath) and I am working in Assembly Resources.  I attended Neath Port Talbot College for a year where I studied Psychology, Geography, Chemistry and Physical Education.  After completing a year in college I decided that it wasn’t for me and I wanted to experience the working life.  I was lucky enough to get little part-time jobs to keep me going before I finally managed to secure a place on the Assembly’s apprenticeship scheme.  Outside of work I am a big Manchester United fan and I enjoy playing and watching football.”

Natera Morris, 17, Splott, Cardiff

Apprenticeship placement – ICT

“My name is Natera Morris and I am 17 years old. I live in Splott, Cardiff and I am currently working between ICT Broadcasting and the ICT Support Team.  I was placed in ICT because my hobby is volunteering at my local Radio Station, Radio Cardiff.  My duties include: presenting on air; and using the radio desk to control the music levels, voice levels and what goes on air and what doesn’t.  I have been doing this for just over two years.  Music is a big part of my life and in my spare time I tend to be both singing and song writing, which I have been doing for four years, or dancing, which I have been doing for 13 years.  I enjoy working at the Assembly very much, it’s an amazing place to work, everyone’s so lovely and welcoming and it’s never a boring day.  My goal from this apprenticeship is to achieve a stable job at the end and to hopefully continue working here as it’s such an amazing place to work and such a huge opportunity.”

Daniel Shipp, 19, Pontypridd

Apprenticeship placement: Estates and Facilities Management

“My name is Daniel Shipp, I’m 19and I’m from Pontypridd.  I enjoy playing football, tennis, squash etc. and love to keep fit in the gym or by swimming.  I am a huge fan of all things sport including charity runs.  I joined the apprenticeship scheme for the chance to earn a great qualification.  The qualification appeals to me because I’m intrigued by the way the Assembly works and how Assembly Members operate.  The National Assembly to me is like the Premier League with four top clubs.  I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”

Lori Nicholas, 18, Bargoed

Apprenticeship placement: Communications

“Hi, my name is Lori Nicholas and I live in Bargoed.  I’m 18 years old and have recently started an apprenticeship in the Communications department. I went to Ystrad Mynach College studying Public Services for a year.  After leaving colleague I did some volunteering work in a care home for young people with learning difficulties before securing my apprenticeship with the Assembly.  In the short time I have been doing my apprenticeship I have loved every minute of it and I am really enjoying meeting new people and learning so many different things.”

Stephanie Wetton, 17, Pandy Tudur

Apprenticeship placement: Front of House, Colwyn Bay

“Hi, my name is Stephanie Wetton (17) and I have joined the Front of House team in Colwyn Bay.  I live in a tiny village in north Wales called Pandy Tudur so this is a big and exciting change to my life.  In my spare time I am a competitive runner and swimmer but my favourite hobby is shopping (especially for hand bags).  I hope to gain more confidence and life experience from my apprenticeship.  I know I am going to enjoy my time here and I look forward to all the challenges that it brings.”