Trainees cut their teeth with the council
Tradesmen and tradeswomen of the future have been cutting their teeth as trainees with the Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services division.
Several trainees have been teamed up with experienced staff as part of the Government’s Future Jobs Fund scheme, which gives long-term unemployed young people the opportunity of a job or training for at least six months.
Amongst those that have been working with the council is bricklayer Erica Garthwaite, carpenter Ben Schneider and plasterer Ceri Rees, all from Llanelli.
Each of them are now looking towards taking full-time apprenticeships to become qualified in their chosen trade.
20-year-old Erica said: “I thought I’d give it a try to show that women can work in the building trade.
“I was given an option about what trade to do, but I chose bricklaying. I’ve worked on schools and homes with my mentor, and I definitely want to carry on with it - I’m looking to start an apprenticeship this year.”
Plasterer trainee Ceri, aged 20, added: “When I left school I went to work for a local building firm doing bricklaying but it didn’t work out and I’ve been looking for work. I’ve always wanted to work in building but I wanted to give plastering a go. I hope to carry on with it in the future.”
And 23-year-old Ben, who served four years in the Army before joining a window-fitting firm, is looking to carry on his training specialising in carpentry.
Head of Property Services, Phil Lumley, said: “We’ve been so impressed with all our FJF trainees. They’ve worked really hard to pick up new skills, and I’m really pleased that they want to carry on with the trades they’ve chosen.
“Taking on these trainees has not only provided labour for our workforce, it has also given them a good start in their careers.”
Future Job Fund trainees Ceri Rees, Erica Garthwaite and Ben Schneider with their mentors Lucio De Filippo, Brian Harries and Eddie Gibson. Pic Jeff Connell
Several trainees have been teamed up with experienced staff as part of the Government’s Future Jobs Fund scheme, which gives long-term unemployed young people the opportunity of a job or training for at least six months.
Amongst those that have been working with the council is bricklayer Erica Garthwaite, carpenter Ben Schneider and plasterer Ceri Rees, all from Llanelli.
Each of them are now looking towards taking full-time apprenticeships to become qualified in their chosen trade.
20-year-old Erica said: “I thought I’d give it a try to show that women can work in the building trade.
“I was given an option about what trade to do, but I chose bricklaying. I’ve worked on schools and homes with my mentor, and I definitely want to carry on with it - I’m looking to start an apprenticeship this year.”
Plasterer trainee Ceri, aged 20, added: “When I left school I went to work for a local building firm doing bricklaying but it didn’t work out and I’ve been looking for work. I’ve always wanted to work in building but I wanted to give plastering a go. I hope to carry on with it in the future.”
And 23-year-old Ben, who served four years in the Army before joining a window-fitting firm, is looking to carry on his training specialising in carpentry.
Head of Property Services, Phil Lumley, said: “We’ve been so impressed with all our FJF trainees. They’ve worked really hard to pick up new skills, and I’m really pleased that they want to carry on with the trades they’ve chosen.
“Taking on these trainees has not only provided labour for our workforce, it has also given them a good start in their careers.”
Future Job Fund trainees Ceri Rees, Erica Garthwaite and Ben Schneider with their mentors Lucio De Filippo, Brian Harries and Eddie Gibson. Pic Jeff Connell
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