Delight for 'Fab Four' in the Next Steps apprenticeships competition

The number of construction apprenticeships provided by Carmarthenshire’s award-winning Next Steps programme this year has not just doubled – it’s quadrupled!
An unexpected twist rounded off what has been another successful competition.
Ammanford’s TRJ Ltd joined the scheme for the first time this year, providing an extra apprenticeship placement as part of the process.
But during the winner’s ceremony, held at Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre, the two companies announced that - such was the calibre of this year’s candidates – that they wanted to take two apprentices each.
Dewey Clarke from Llanelli and Rhodri Evans from Pontyates will now begin apprenticeships with Lloyd and Gravell Ltd, and Luke Allen from Llanelli and Scott Williams from Ammanford will work with TRJ Ltd.
There were two runners up – Jarred Fairhurst from Llandybie who has now secured a place on a diploma plastering course, and Josh McCarthy from Llwynhendy who has gained a place on a full-time carpentry course, both with Coleg Sir Gâr.
All winners and runners-up were presented with tool bags provided by LBS Builders Merchants.
Kevin Gravell, Director of Lloyd and Gravell, spoke on behalf of both firms, and said: “The level of commitment shown by this year’s candidates was second to none – regardless of the outcome, they are all winners in our eyes.
“We are pleased therefore to offer apprenticeships to four of the candidates, and have secured college placements for two more.
“They really do deserve every success in their future careers, and we look forward to giving them their head start.”
Next Steps is a unique annual competition that allows anyone aged 16 or over, and living in Carmarthenshire, the chance to compete for a two-year paid construction apprenticeship.
The four winners from 2014 take the total number of Next Steps apprenticeships offered over the last five years to eight.
Another 11 people have secured placements on Carmarthenshire’s Shared Apprenticeship scheme; 10 people on Pathways to Apprenticeships courses and four more have secured traditional apprenticeships.
Next Steps is run by Constructing Carmarthenshire Together, a partnership of Carmarthenshire County Council's Property Services department, Coleg Sir Gâr and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL).
For further information, visit www.nextstepscarmarthenshire.co.uk