Pathways to Apprenticeship (PtA) is a Welsh Government-funded programme that supports young learners aged between 16-24 through an intensive one year training programme so they are pre-trained and ready for companies to hire as productive employees.
The winners, which were announced at an EEF ceremony, last week are: Gwent College, for best college, who successfully placed over 85% of their cohort into Work Based Learning Level 3 apprenticeships. Comtek, who repair and refurbish communication and IT equipment, won best business. Tascha Evans from Bridgend College won best apprentice, after being offered an apprenticeship with Tata Steel.
Philip Whiteman, chief executive of Semta said: “The PtA programme supports both employers and young people. The scheme ensures learners develop the skills to succeed as an apprentice, and helps businesses hiring them to be more productive and profitable.
“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.”
During the further education learning programme the students will achieve a full Level 2 Engineering vocational apprenticeship framework as well as the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. They also complete a five week work experience placement with a local company.
This year 283 learners took part in the programme with 65% of those successfully gaining an apprenticeship. The Awards, which are announced under three categories, are based on evidence submitted by local colleges and are overseen by a Semta judging panel.
