Five craftsmen on the fast track
Five skilled Carmarthenshire craftsmen are taking a fast-track to the top of the career ladder through a unique project, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
The Building Cadetship scheme is a tri-partnership project run by the council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gar and the Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL).
It offers a hands-on approach to the learning experience for higher-level learners opting for professional careers in the building industry.
The ‘cadets’, already trained craftsmen, are working towards foundation degrees using a more employer-led route than other traditional degrees offer.
As well as working hands-on within the council’s Property Services division, the cadets benefit from private sector work experience, with industry placements at Parc Y Scarlets, the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Coleg Sir Gar.
Mike Murphy, team leader at Coleg Sir Gar’s built environment department, said: “Although similar schemes exist in Australia and Germany, the Carmarthenshire scheme is unique in that it is based on practical work experience both in-house and externally, with a bespoke foundation degree at its heart.
“In-house training with the local authority, and taking specific industry courses in subjects such as heritage, completes the cadet’s education and training.
“At the end of the scheme, the cadets will be well-placed to pursue professional careers in the industry, such as quantity surveying and site management.”
Phil Lumley, the council’s head of Property Services, added: “This scheme is providing benefits all-round. Not only is it providing a unique experience for the cadets, it has also provided us with a talented and skilled group of individuals to work alongside our existing staff, and it is allowing external partners in the private sector to tap in to a resource they not have had the opportunity to previously.”
Cadet profiles
Andrew Jones, aged 28, from Tumble, Llanelli, joined the Cadetship scheme as a carpenter. As well as working within the council’s property compliance team, he undertakes weekly work placements at the National Botanic Gardens.
His ambition is to start a career within the council once he has achieved all the relevant qualifications, and says the Cadetship scheme has helped him gain valuable experience.
“It’s a really good scheme, and is the perfect opportunity for anyone that is looking to move up the construction ladder after learning their trade,” he said. “I’m really enjoying all aspects of it.”
Wayne Jones, of Five Roads, Llanelli, was an administration officer for the local authority before signing up as a cadet. The 39-year-old now works on the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, and also undertakes placements at Coleg Sir Gar alongside his degree studies.
He aims to become qualified in Construction Technology and Management.
He said: “The scheme has offered me a wide scope of experience and knowledge, along with studying towards a degree foundation, and additional training in heritage and preservation issues with Coleg Sir Gar. This scheme is providing me with a substantial knowledge base which will hopefully benefit Carmarthenshire County Council as well as myself.”
Llanelli’s Darren Conway, aged 29, is making his way up the career ladder, having joined the Cadetship scheme as a bricklayer. Now he is studying towards a degree, and hopes to have a future in construction management.
“I have enjoyed every minute of the scheme,” he said. “It’s the perfect stepping stone for a career in construction management and I would recommend it to anyone who works in the industry who is looking to progress.”
Mathew Keenan, of Glynneath, was employed as a modern apprentice within a small construction company before starting his studies through the cadetship scheme.
The 23-year-old is hoping to achieve a full honours degree in construction management, and said he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“The experience I have gained has been astonishing - everything from construction related courses to working with renewable energy at Parc Y Scarlets – I’m doing something different every week!” he said. “The knowledge I have gained from studying at Coleg Sir Gar has been fantastic and to be able to apply that knowledge within the local authority has been a pleasure. The Cadetship scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to achieve a qualification and earn a salary at the same time.”
Llandeilo’s Gareth Morris, aged 23, is currently working within the council’s Building Control team.
He joined the cadetship scheme as a CAD technician with a structural engineering firm, and hopes to be able to secure a job in construction management after finishing his studies.
“This time two years ago I was unaware of construction aspects and legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act (D.D.A), The Building Act, and how to complete a simple Building Regulations application,” he said. “I think this scheme is a great opportunity to train Carmarthenshire’s future workforce.”
The Building Cadetship scheme is a tri-partnership project run by the council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gar and the Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL).
It offers a hands-on approach to the learning experience for higher-level learners opting for professional careers in the building industry.
The ‘cadets’, already trained craftsmen, are working towards foundation degrees using a more employer-led route than other traditional degrees offer.
As well as working hands-on within the council’s Property Services division, the cadets benefit from private sector work experience, with industry placements at Parc Y Scarlets, the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Coleg Sir Gar.
Mike Murphy, team leader at Coleg Sir Gar’s built environment department, said: “Although similar schemes exist in Australia and Germany, the Carmarthenshire scheme is unique in that it is based on practical work experience both in-house and externally, with a bespoke foundation degree at its heart.
“In-house training with the local authority, and taking specific industry courses in subjects such as heritage, completes the cadet’s education and training.
“At the end of the scheme, the cadets will be well-placed to pursue professional careers in the industry, such as quantity surveying and site management.”
Phil Lumley, the council’s head of Property Services, added: “This scheme is providing benefits all-round. Not only is it providing a unique experience for the cadets, it has also provided us with a talented and skilled group of individuals to work alongside our existing staff, and it is allowing external partners in the private sector to tap in to a resource they not have had the opportunity to previously.”
Cadet profiles
Andrew Jones, aged 28, from Tumble, Llanelli, joined the Cadetship scheme as a carpenter. As well as working within the council’s property compliance team, he undertakes weekly work placements at the National Botanic Gardens.
His ambition is to start a career within the council once he has achieved all the relevant qualifications, and says the Cadetship scheme has helped him gain valuable experience.
“It’s a really good scheme, and is the perfect opportunity for anyone that is looking to move up the construction ladder after learning their trade,” he said. “I’m really enjoying all aspects of it.”
Wayne Jones, of Five Roads, Llanelli, was an administration officer for the local authority before signing up as a cadet. The 39-year-old now works on the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, and also undertakes placements at Coleg Sir Gar alongside his degree studies.
He aims to become qualified in Construction Technology and Management.
He said: “The scheme has offered me a wide scope of experience and knowledge, along with studying towards a degree foundation, and additional training in heritage and preservation issues with Coleg Sir Gar. This scheme is providing me with a substantial knowledge base which will hopefully benefit Carmarthenshire County Council as well as myself.”
Llanelli’s Darren Conway, aged 29, is making his way up the career ladder, having joined the Cadetship scheme as a bricklayer. Now he is studying towards a degree, and hopes to have a future in construction management.
“I have enjoyed every minute of the scheme,” he said. “It’s the perfect stepping stone for a career in construction management and I would recommend it to anyone who works in the industry who is looking to progress.”
Mathew Keenan, of Glynneath, was employed as a modern apprentice within a small construction company before starting his studies through the cadetship scheme.
The 23-year-old is hoping to achieve a full honours degree in construction management, and said he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“The experience I have gained has been astonishing - everything from construction related courses to working with renewable energy at Parc Y Scarlets – I’m doing something different every week!” he said. “The knowledge I have gained from studying at Coleg Sir Gar has been fantastic and to be able to apply that knowledge within the local authority has been a pleasure. The Cadetship scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to achieve a qualification and earn a salary at the same time.”
Llandeilo’s Gareth Morris, aged 23, is currently working within the council’s Building Control team.
He joined the cadetship scheme as a CAD technician with a structural engineering firm, and hopes to be able to secure a job in construction management after finishing his studies.
“This time two years ago I was unaware of construction aspects and legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act (D.D.A), The Building Act, and how to complete a simple Building Regulations application,” he said. “I think this scheme is a great opportunity to train Carmarthenshire’s future workforce.”
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