Jamie wins apprenticeship prize

A Trimsaran man has won a two-year construction apprenticeship following an innovative competition to promote the profile of apprenticeships in Carmarthenshire.
Jamie Owens was crowned winner of Next Steps 2011 at a winner’s ceremony in Llanelli’s Parc Y Scarlets.
He beat off competition from five other candidates to claim the prize – a paid apprenticeship with Llanelli and Gwendraeth based construction firm Lloyd & Gravell Ltd.
Next Steps has run in Carmarthenshire for the second time, as a partnership between Lloyd & Gravell, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association (CCTAL).
On taking the title, the 20-year-old rugby player said: “I still can’t quite believe it – this is a fantastic start towards building a future for myself and I'm really looking forward to starting work with Lloyd & Gravell.
“The competition was a great experience - everyone on it was awesome and really looked after us. Unfortunately, there were five others who have missed out but we are all winners as we've all had a fantastic start to our construction careers."
Other candidates that took part this year have all been offered placements on Shared Apprenticeship, Pathways to Apprenticeship or traditional apprenticeship schemes in the local area.
They were Gareth John and Eric Meighan, both of Ammanford, Nathan Jenkins, of Llanelli, Darren Thomas, of Trimsaran and Robert Goodman of Cynwyl Elfed.
Jamie’s new boss, Kevin Gravell, director of Lloyd & Gravell, said: “This has yet again been a fantastic experience – not only for the candidates, but for our craftsmen who have been able to work with them and pass on their skills.
“The calibre of candidates this year was exceptional, and it was very hard to choose won from them all, by Jamie will be a great addition to our company, and I’m very proud to welcome him on-board.”
Jamie has chosen to do his apprenticeship studying carpentry. He will work alongside other craftsmen for the next two years and will also attend Coleg Sir Gar.
Last year’s winner, Iwan Thomas, is now entering his second year of his apprenticeship and is progressing well. He has recently been recognised at a national carpentry competition.
For further information, visit the competition website www.nextstepscarmarthenshire.co.uk, where you will also find pictures and interviews with all candidates.