National Apprenticeship Week

Meirion Richards, General Manager of our Cardiff and Newport sites in South Wales shares his apprentice journey.

'As a sixteen year old I decided that I wanted to learn a skill that I would always have. I must admit that the thought of being paid whilst I learned also seemed appealing.

When I finished my GCSE’s most of friends went onto do A Levels but I started an Electro Mechanical Apprenticeship with Ford Motor Company. I have to say, it's one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I can honestly say I have never regretted it.

After completing my apprenticeship I decided to stay on at college to study for a HNC which I then followed by studying for an Engineering Degree. Whilst it did take me a little longer to complete my studies than friends who opted for the College/University route, I was ahead in my career development by the time I finished.

Firstly I gained real life skills in the working environment and thoroughly enjoyed meeting some fantastic people along the way. Most people like to pass on their skills, especially to young people who are keen to learn. At the same time the practical skills I learned and the engineering based problems I dealt with on a daily basis really dovetailed with my educational studies and I nearly always found that I could use work based problems in my course work.

Since finishing my apprenticeship I have been able to develop my career and have enjoyed some fantastic roles and opportunities, however I am convinced that it was my apprentice studies along with the work ethic and standards of work I learned during those four years that are the foundation of everything I've done since.

As long as your prepared to put the work in, the apprenticeship route is a great way to build a successful career and I would absolutely recommend it to young people today.'

@Meirion Richards