Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

It’s caps off to five of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Building Cadets who have graduated after three years on one of the UK’s most innovative training schemes. Gareth Morris, Andrew Jones, Darren Conway, Wayne Jones and Mathew Keenan donned their caps and gowns to celebrate their achievements. The Cadets have each gained a foundation degree in Construction Science and Management, with Mathew graduating with honours. The Building Cadetship scheme is a tri-partnership project run by the council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gâr and the Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL) – collectively known as Constructing Carmarthenshire Together. The partnership believes it was the first to introduce the scheme to the UK from Australia. The scheme offers a hands-on approach to the learning experience for higher-level learners opting for professional careers in the building industry. The Cadets worked towards a bespoke foundation degree whilst also benefitti...

Fresh from winning the UK’s Young Builder of the Year Award, former carpentry apprentice Shane Evans has just landed a new job as a Building Cadet. Shane, originally from Llanelli but now living in Ammanford, picked up the national award at the House of Commons just a few weeks ago, after impressing judges with his determination to succeed despite suffering with the debilitating condition Cystic Fibrosis. He has been employed as an apprentice carpenter on a Shared Apprenticeship Scheme with Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd for the last three years – including a stint with Carmarthenshire County Council, where he came to the attention of managers who were looking for a new Building Cadet. The Building Cadetship scheme offers degree-level learning for qualified tradesmen who want to make the move in to management. Shane will now work towards a foundation phase degree whilst undertaking work-based industry placements. It is believed that Carmarthenshire was the first ...

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 ...