For Jobs Growth Wales + learner Millie it was a case of watching brick-laying videos online and thinking ‘let’s give that a try’.��

Millie came to С��Ѽapp after a challenging time at school, where she undertook her Multi Skilled Construction qualification. But it wasn’t plain sailing from the start.��

“In the beginning I sat around doing very little because I was nervous,” she explains. “Then my tutor sat me down in his office and said ‘do you actually want to do this because if you do you have to put the work in. It was the kick I needed to get on with it. Since then, I have been brick-laying every day and learning the craft.”��

While brick-laying was the main topic of interest for Millie while working towards her qualification at С��Ѽapp, she has since joined contractors Direct Maintenance on placement, and has had to get to grips with a number of new skills.��

“With them I do rendering, plastering, cutting plasterboard and wood,” she said. “I like doing bathroom and kitchen jobs because it’s amazing to see the difference from the before to the after.”��

Despite being the only female in the team, Millie was quick to find her feet within the team, with them ensuring that accommodations such as suitable bathroom facilities were put in place.��

“I love my colleagues,” Millie said. “They’re funny and they’ve commented that I’m reliable. I show up every day and I am in the spot where I have to meet them on time. I will also try anything, I enjoy the work. They’ve been very accommodating.”��

Millie’s tutor, Ian Rees, has seen her development throughout the JGW+ journey. He said: “Since joining us at С��Ѽapp, Millie has excelled in both her construction skills and personal confidence. Millie’s brickwork skills are of a very high standard and along the way, with each assessment passed and each goal reached, her confidence has grown and grown.����

“As part of her course she has completed her CSCS training and test where she had to answer 45 out of 50 questions correctly about health & safety within construction. This was a massive confidence boost for Millie and on a personal note, as her tutor, I was extremely proud of her especially knowing how hard she had studied for it.”��

So far, Millie has completed her Level 1 award and certificate as part of her Multi Skilled Construction course. She is now working on her essential skills where she has completed her Application of Numbers, and is currently finishing her City & Guilds Level 2 Essential Communication Skills. She is hoping to continue her learning within her placement company.��

Asked if she had any words of advice for someone, particularly other women, looking to pursue a career in construction, Millie said: “Just do it and don’t let the boys put you down, some of them tried to with me and I was better than them. Just keep going and just ignore them. If you want it you just need to put the work in.”��

Heledd met with С��Ѽapp’s Managing Director, Richard Spear, during her visit to discuss the organisation’s commitment to work-based learning and development.

Heledd took a tour of the Jobs Growth Wales+ Programme with Leon Patnett, Head of Youth Engagement & Training, to see firsthand the incredible opportunities С��Ѽapp is providing to young people.

Heledd also met with Ukrainian learners along with their Learning Coach, Diana Oleksiuk, to hear about the successes they have achieved despite being uprooted due to the ongoing conflict.

Talking previously about her journey as a refugee, Diana said: “It has been a really difficult time for all of us, but I do also believe that it should be a time for opportunity and to show our young people in Ukraine different cultures and improve their language skills too.

“It’s been really great to be able to do something productive with my time here and find a role (within С��Ѽapp) that enables me to put my skills to use in such an appropriate and effective way, and to be able to contribute practically to the lives of others around me who are all living the same experience.”

Heledd also had the opportunity to meet with Bethan Maund, Head of Apprenticeships, to learn more about how upskilling and work-based training can be transformative not only for individual organisations but the larger professional landscape of Wales, particularly during increasing concerns about the country’s skills gap.

Bethan Maund said: “It was fantastic to welcome Heledd Fychan to С��Ѽapp and for her to hear firsthand the positive impact work-based learning and apprenticeships have on our learners. We hope she came away as inspired as we are from their success stories.”

Heledd Fychan MS said: “I was really impressed by my visit to С��Ѽapp and enjoyed seeing first-hand the incredible work that they do to break down barriers for young people across Wales and to put them on the best possible path for the future.

“From the wide variety of apprenticeship schemes they run to supporting young Ukrainian refugees settle in Wales and everything else in between, С��Ѽapp are undoubtedly a model for how things could and should be done to ensure greater opportunities for all young people.”

There is no set end goal for JGW+ learners but many go on to undertake further apprenticeships and gain more advanced skills in their chosen profession.

One learner who began his journey with a Level 1 course in Hairdressing and Barbering and is now finding his feet at a salon placement, while completing his Level 2 apprenticeship in Hairdressing, is 19-year-old Talek Milne.

Talek found his passion for hairstyling during lockdown, watching videos online, although he had always been interested in the creative side of the profession as well as the ability to make customers happy.

Throughout his journey Talek has had to overcome one of the biggest hurdles many young learners have to face in the beginning – confidence. It is something that has improved massively throughout his course, particularly when it comes to his shyness. Talek believes this improvement is due to the natural environment of the role and having to speak to people – after all hairdressing is probably one of the most social careers out there.

Another boost to Talek’s confidence has come through fortnightly workshops provided by С��Ѽapp. The workshops give apprenticeship learners the chance to work alongside tutors to hone their skills in a more practical setting. It is a great space to ask questions, practice new methods and receive validation for the skills they have already gained.

Progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 has meant added responsibilities for Talek, especially now that he has been given a placement in a salon. Looking to the future, he is keen to broaden his colour skills, particularly when it comes to applying bold shades and designs.

Hairdressing assessor Helen Jenkins, who has overseen Talek’s progress, said: “Talek’s confidence has come on so much since he started – from hiding in the back room and not giving me eye contact to now being at the front of the salon. He’s really come out of his shell.

“To support Talek we ensured he had the right tools – something as simple as left-handed scissors made all the difference.��And now that he’s armed with that there’s no stopping him. He has come on leaps and bounds and I’m very proud of him.”

Find out more about С��Ѽapp’s hairdressing qualification here.

Childcare assessor, Christie Davies, began her learning journey when she enrolled with Jobs Growth Wales aged eighteen, she is now celebrating her appointment as a tutor within the same department.��

Christie left school to find an apprenticeship after missing exams due to a number of personal setbacks. She found an advertisement for a childcare placement and was able to get financial help for her travel back and forth between her home in Barry and her work placement in Taffs Well.��

She said: “I finished my Level 2 CCLD (Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development) and progressed through to Level 3 and then Playwork.��

“I later moved from nurseries to schools as I wanted a more varied understanding of children’s development. I looked again to С��Ѽapp to gain my STLS (Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools) Level 3 qualification.��

“All qualifications were supported by my fantastic tutors who understood that I just wanted to get on and would gladly send me work early as requested and give me extra visits if required.”��

After completing four qualifications with С��Ѽapp, Christie was able to gain her HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) status with the Central South Consortium.������

Christie added: “The qualifications provided me with a wealth of teaching experience, I now hope this will all help me in my new role in С��Ѽapp and that I can pass on the support I had.��

“The most rewarding part of the role for me is the ability to give back the opportunities I’ve had. My advice to anyone going into childcare would be to have fun. If you are enthusiastic and love your job then every day will be great. But also, be organised, keep your reports and paperwork up to date and remember to keep the children’s best interests at heart. If you want something more – always fight for it.”��

Looking to the future, Christie is keen not to rest on her laurels, despite her extensive achievements.��

She said: “I currently work voluntarily as a first aid instructor for the sea cadets. I hope to amalgamate the roles and support the teaching and assessing of first aid for those working in childcare but to do that I think I would need the Level 3 Teaching and Development qualification first.”��

If you’re looking to kickstart your childcare career you can find our courses and opportunities here.��

One way we stay in the loop with how learners are progressing, how they are finding life at С��Ѽapp and what we can do to improve is through our Learner Representative, Lily Pandeles.

Lily’s role is to advocate for learners across all of С��Ѽapp’s programmes, as well as in schools and with employers.

The learner representative role was created to provide all learners across the С��Ѽapp with a voice. As they are at the heart of what С��Ѽapp does, it was important to make sure that there was a direct link between key decision makers in the organisation and learners, so that learners were able to say what is working, and on the flipside what could be done better.

The role also has strong links with National Union of Students (NUS), and the National Society of Apprentices (NSOA), enabling С��Ѽapp learners to lend their voices on a local and national scale, contributing towards the improvements in the experiences of learners.

These links also enable С��Ѽapp learners to contribute to local and national research. For example, at the moment, work is ongoing in relation to apprenticeship wages, and the wellbeing and mental health needs of apprentices.

Lily works across two teams – Marketing & Communications and Quality.

Within the marketing team, Lily promotes С��Ѽapp’s Jobs Growth Wales+ and Apprenticeship programmes to schools. Within the quality team, she is the link between delivery teams, learners and other stakeholders. Her role is key to helping С��Ѽapp improve the experiences, support and provisions it offers.

Talking about how she has found splitting her work between two teams, Lily said: “It can be a challenge as no two weeks are the same but I find this motivating and exciting.

“Each day is different. I could be at a careers fair one day, completing some learners’ forums in one of our centres the next, or in head office having a meeting.

“I enjoy the diversity of the role and being able to work directly with learners.”

Talking about the biggest challenge of the role, Lily highlighted the importance of why her role within С��Ѽapp was established in the first place. She said:

“Learner voices are important and I am here to help facilitate positive change – it’s getting our JGW+ learners to understand how important they are to this that’s the challenge.”

Becky Morris, Head of Continuous Improvement at С��Ѽapp, said: “As our Learner Representative, Lily works across all areas of С��Ѽapp, and with our partner providers, helping us to shape how and what we do. Lily works to help us understand how effectively our processes work, helping us to decide on what we need to change.”

Looking ahead to what she hopes she will achieve in the role, Lily shared her wish for the role to be a more prominent focus in all С��Ѽapp centres and act as a bridge to strengthen the relationships between learners and staff.

You can keep up to date with Lily and what С��Ѽapp learners are up to by following Lily on Instagram or on X .

Upskilling is a hot topic for any business leader at the moment. Anyone in a hiring position will know the current struggle of finding the right talent in an increasingly competitive market.

And if you’re feeling that the talent pool is shrinking, you’re not alone. An alarming report recently published by the CIPD shows skills shortages have more than doubled in Wales from 9,000 in 2017 to 20,600 in 2022. At the same time, more than a third of job vacancies were deemed ‘hard to fill’ owing to the quality of applicants and a lack of necessary skills.

It comes as no surprise then that businesses are looking to their existing workforce instead, upskilling their teams to help bridge this widening skills gap.

Development and upskilling consistently places in the most sought-after workplace ‘benefits’ for potential employees, with LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends data finding that companies that help their employees build skills have a higher internal mobility rate than those who did not prioritise development. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that two thirds of employers are investing in training to upskill their current workforce.

Upskilling is beneficial for both business and individual, as well as the wider workforce. It provides the opportunity to learn new, highly desirable and transferable skills that then mean that companies obtain and retain staff with up-to-date knowledge relating to their role.

Upskilling also offers the chance to fully customise a role to your business needs, showing that you believe an employee is worth investing in and are supporting them in their future aspirations and career progression. Upskilling may seem like a daunting investment, but it shouldn’t be. At С��Ѽapp, as Wales’ leading training provider, we have worked with more than 14,000 businesses across the country supporting them and their staff with their work-based learning needs, including apprenticeships.

Courses range from digital marketing and customer service to accountancy and facilities management, and many more. They are suitable for employees beginning their journey in a specific role as well as senior staff looking to boost their skillset.

Qualifications are fully funded by the Welsh Government and offer flexible learning in at the workplace, in workshops and online.

While it is a common misconception that apprenticeships are for specific – often manual – jobs, and for those just starting out in their career, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Apprenticeships are undertaken at any age, in any sector and by employees with all different levels of experience.

Apprenticeships can be delivered flexibly to the needs of the sector, business and learner – whether upskilling someone already in a role or offering an apprenticeship as an entry point into your organisation.

Coursework can be completed around a project that the learner is looking to implement within their company, showcasing what must be done and the action plan needed to do it.

Upskilling is rapidly become not just a ‘nice to offer’ perk of the job but an essential factor not just for job seekers but for businesses who are investing in their own growth as well as their employees’. You can find out more about how work-based learning can work for you by dropping us a line here.

Hairdressing offers many transferable skills and is consistently ranked as one of the happiest and most satisfying careers in the world.��

If you are looking to begin your journey in the sector but don’t know where to start, Jobs Growth Wales + offers the perfect course.��

Training provider С��Ѽapp’s Level 1 Hairdressing and Barbering qualification is delivered within a salon setting and offers a variety of skills including basic techniques, assistance with colouring, and how to create the perfect up-do. Learners benefit from hands-on experience, working full time in a placement which then leads to an apprenticeship.��

One learner who is benefitting from the support offered and skills learned from the programme is Darla Wathen from Cardiff.��

Darla always had an interest in hair and found the qualification a great way to learn the skills she needs to progress in the industry, as well as build confidence in a salon setting.��

Her placement is at local salon, Henderson & Co. She also receives support from С��Ѽapp tutor Charlotte Sims.��

Darla said: “My favourite thing about the placement is that it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work at all – it’s like going back to my second family. I also love the advice different stylists give. Every day I learn and grow.”��

As well as skills and techniques, Darla has also seen a great improvement in her confidence.��

She added: “The support I’ve had from my tutors at С��Ѽapp has been absolutely amazing. I came to С��Ѽapp thinking I wouldn’t do anything with my life, but Charlotte helped me and made me believe in myself.��

“I was a very anxious individual and was so nervous to go to interviews, but Charlotte made me be the best version of myself. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am now.”��

Darla is now looking ahead to becoming a fully qualified hairdresser and wants to continue sharing her love of hair with clients.��

Tutor Charlotte Sims said: “Darla started at С��Ѽapp on the JGW+ programme with a lot of potential but not much confidence in herself. Darla had a few issues settling in, but once she became familiar with the centre and the staff she showed herself to be an excellent learner.��

“Darla has always given 100% effort in any tasks we ask her to take part in, and we knew she would be an asset to the right salon, as she was clearly a natural hairdresser from day one.��

“We found Henderson & Co and after speaking to salon owner Kellie we knew Darla would be given an incredible opportunity by attending a placement there.��

“The salon has taken her under its wing, supported her through all her training and really value her contribution to the business.����

“Darla is progressing through her Level 1 NVQ fantastically, and all staff are so proud of her and pleased with how far she has come.����

“Darla has an excellent future ahead of her and we couldn’t be more excited for her.”��

С��Ѽapp’s Mary Foley, who has worked with Darla as her course assessor, added: “When Darla started on programme she had a few barriers to overcome and had previously been let down by the education sector. Once she became familiar with the routine and staff at С��Ѽapp she began to come out of her shell and showed she had great potential.������

“Darla was apprehensive to start in a salon placement as it was another step out of her comfort zone but that was the best thing she did as she has excelled since. Darla has demonstrated through determination, hard work and passion for the hair industry that these barriers are able to be overcome, this has also shown with the progress she has made with her NVQL1 Hairdressing qualification as she has completed it in six months!������

“Darla has been offered a Level 2 hairdressing apprenticeship at Henderson & Co. I’m so proud of Darla and all she has achieved with С��Ѽapp, she is a wonderful asset to the salon and has a great career ahead of her.”��

If you are 16 to 19 years old and would like help finding your dream career, you can sign up to Jobs Growth Wales + any time here.��

Wales’ largest training provider launched in September 1988 on The Parade in Cardiff, delivering training to 200 unemployed adults in its first year. Since then it has gone on to help over 75,000 learners achieve their career goals, working with more than 14,000 employers across Wales.��

It has also increased its educational offerings, in that time launching its own independent schools for 11- to 16-year-olds, as well as delivering Jobs Growth Wales + – a programme developed by the Welsh Government to give 16- to 19-year-olds the skills needed to progress in their career.��

С��Ѽapp’s Operations Director, Louise Williams, who joined the company in 1999, said: “At the time С��Ѽapp was founded there was high unemployment in Wales with a severe lack of opportunities for unskilled adults and youths. С��Ѽapp’s founders felt a real responsibility to do something about it and make a change.”��

As well as providing training to adults, in 1993 С��Ѽapp began delivering a youth training provision, something that has developed into a key offering for the business.��

In 2006, С��Ѽapp became the first work-based learning provider to achieve all Grade 1 in an Estyn Inspection.��

Delivery Director, Zoe Goodall, said of the achievement: “The result helped us secure huge growth in our contracts almost doubling by 2010 – and deliver even more programmes to both young people and adults in Wales.����

“This success then led to the acquisition by Cardiff and Vale College in 2016 which was hugely important in securing the future of С��Ѽapp and ensuring we continue to support even more people in Wales to improve lives through learning.”��

It will come as no surprise that the education sector has seen huge changes since the eighties, not just in the way courses are delivered with the development of new technology, but also in its challenges and subject matter.��

Talking about the importance of training now, Zoe said: “What we are delivering has evolved in line with the changing labour market, the development of new qualifications and even sectors – particularly in the digital and IT space.����

“We have developed new programmes and pathways to support employers with continued professional development for their employees and also evolved and adapted the way in which we deliver programmes to young people in Wales to meet their changing needs, particularly post pandemic.”��

Louise added: “NEET (not in education, employment or training) numbers across Wales are increasing, along with challenges for young people including additional learning needs, mental health, and a struggling labour market.����

“Mainstream education isn’t a ‘one fits all’ so alternative provision needs to be available. The need to support adults in upskilling and changing their career has also increased now that people are working for longer.”��

Looking ahead to the future, С��Ѽapp is keen to build on the success of the last 35 years by being even more innovative and creative with what is delivered.����

Zoe added: “We want to support even more people in Wales whether that be in their professional development, to progress in their careers or to ensure young people have the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential.”��

С��Ѽapp’s Managing Director, Richard Spear, reflected on more than three decades of growth in Wales, saying: “To be able to celebrate 35 years as a business in any field is a huge achievement but for us it also means that, for more than three decades now, we have been able to improve lives through learning.����

“While the way we deliver training, as well as the needs of our employers, may have changed since 1988, our mission to support learners in their educational, career and personal goals continues to be our focus – this has allowed us to navigate through recent times of uncertainty and development.��

“We look forward to building on this incredible milestone as part of the Cardiff and Vale College CAVC) Group and working with the Welsh Government and our partners to help more people achieve their goals.”��

CEO of Cardiff and Vale College group, Mike James, said: “Many congratulations to С��Ѽapp on the significant milestone.����

“As a collaborative group we are continuing to increase opportunities for young people, and promoting learning to improve lives, throughout Wales. For С��Ѽapp to be celebrating 35 years of providing these opportunities is an incredible achievement.”

Join us at our Ebbw Vale and Pontypool Delivery centre Open Days! Whether you’re aged 16-19 or a parent/carer of a young person, our doors are open for you to discover how our brilliant Jobs Growth Wales+ and Apprenticeship programmes can pave the way to your dream career.

��During our tours, you’ll get a first-hand look at our fantastic facilities, a chance to chat with our welcoming staff, and connect with other amazing young individuals who have thrived in our recent Get Ready For Summer programme.

��We can’t wait to meet you and kickstart this incredible journey together!

When: Monday 21st August 2023, at 10am and 2pm

Where: 44 Church Street, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6BE and 17-19 Commercial Street, Pontypool, NP4 6JQ

Book your place today

Join us at our Caerphilly Skills Centre Open Day! Whether you’re aged 16-19 or a parent/carer of a young person, our doors are open for you to discover how our brilliant Jobs Growth Wales+ and Apprenticeship programmes can pave the way to your dream career.

��During our tours, you’ll get a first-hand look at our fantastic facilities, a chance to chat with our welcoming staff, and connect with other amazing young individuals who have thrived in our recent Get Ready For Summer programme.

��We can’t wait to meet you and kickstart this incredible journey together!

When: Wednesday 23rd August 2023 at 2pm

Where: Market Street, Caerphilly, CF83 1NX

Call us to book your place today:��029 227 07070