Apprentice named runner-up for Semta best PtA trainee

A Pathways to Apprenticeship (PtA) student at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig campus has been named runner-up for best trainee in an all-Wales awards ceremony, held in Flintshire.

Joshua Palmer, a 17 year-old engineering student from Burry Port in Llanelli, is studying a PtA – a Welsh Government funded programme supporting learners aged 16-24 through an intensive programme aimed at employability. Learners achieve a level two vocational qualification from within an apprenticeship framework run by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing. At the Engineering Employers’ Federation Awards, apprentices, colleges and employers were recognised with a number of awards.

“I’m very pleased I could win such an award,” said Joshua Palmer.

“I was initially thinking about doing A Levels instead of this course, but the incentive for me about the PtA was the practical element and the relevance of what you’re learning applied to everyday life.

The £30 a week the scheme offers is also a massive help for me financially.”

Joshua took part in five weeks of work experience at different companies in his local area, which is an essential part of the course.

Before signing-up to an apprenticeship, he is furthering his studies by one year and will qualify with an extended diploma in engineering and is looking to sign-up for a draughtsman’s apprenticeship. He said: “On the course, I’m learning maths, PLCs designed circuits for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, machining parts needed in industry as well as lots of practical and theory work.

“The lecturers are really good, they help us a lot because they know the employers; they’ve been right through industry so they’re good at offering us the right advice.”

Philip Whiteman, chief executive of Semta said: “Semta is ideally placed to help employers get a return on investment from apprentices.

We have strong employer leadership and a successful track record from innovative programmes, like Pathways to Apprenticeships, which are fuelling the future essential skills base of the nation.”

283 learners have signed-up to PtAs in Wales with 65% gaining successful apprenticeships*.

*Source: Semta