Carmarthenshire residents given chance to win a job

Carmarthenshire residents are being given a unique chance to compete for a job in the construction industry. Anyone aged 16 and over can enter for their chance to take part in Next Steps 2012 – a competition where someone will win a full-time paid apprenticeship.

 

 

It is being run by Constructing Carmarthenshire Together – a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd – and Llanelli and Gwendraeth-based building firm Lloyd & Gravell Ltd.

Six candidates will be chosen to compete in teams of two, battling it out for rewards and avoiding forfeits whilst trying to impress judges with their building skills.

This year’s competition will be filmed, with elements of TV favourites The Apprentice, Big Brother and DIY SOS all thrown in.

The competition will take place through July and August, with the lucky apprentice starting his or her placement with Lloyd & Gravell Ltd in September.

Kevin Gravell, Director of Lloyd & Gravell Ltd, said: “Jobs and apprenticeships are few and far between at the moment, so this really is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to work in the construction industry. You don’t need any previous experience, just the desire and determination to learn and work as part of our team.”

Previous winners of Next Steps, Iwan Thomas of Brynamman and Jamie Owens of Trimsaran, are both progressing well with their apprenticeships.

Having taken part in the competition process themselves, they both know what this competition can mean to anyone chosen to take part. Jamie Owens, said: 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.”

Iwan, who won in 2010, added: “Winning Next Steps has changed my life. I’m now on my way to becoming a qualified carpenter and am building a secure future for my family.” The deadline for entries for this year’s competition is 5pm on Friday, June 15th. For further information and to download an application form, visit www.nextstepscarmarthenshire.co.uk Join us and keep up to date throughout the competition at www.facebook.com/nextstepscarmarthenshire