Pennaf puts apprentices at the heart of the workforce

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, will be at the National Eisteddfod today to meet with a North Wales Housing Group which puts EU-backed apprentices at the heart of its workforce.

Pennaf Housing Group provides a range of housing and associated care and support services to a wide variety of different customers, including families, older people, people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The group has invested heavily in work-based training, employing apprentices and trainees in a variety of different roles, including Customer Liaison Advisers, Plumbing and Heating Engineers, Cook, Project Worker, Business Administrator, Joiner, Electrician, Painter & Decorator, Accounting Technicians, Surveyor, a Human Resource Adviser and Information Systems Support Officer.

The Deputy Minister will today meet with Kim Davies, who is one of 19 apprentices employed by the Pennaf Group as part of their “Grow Your Own” Human Resources initiative. Kim works as an Apprentice Housing Officer with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, which is part of the Pennaf Group.

The apprenticeship programme is funded by the Welsh Government with the support of the European Social Fund.

When Kim left Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph she trained and worked as a hairdresser for three years before realising that she wanted to pursue a different career.

After taking an education access course and then completing a three-year BA (Hons) degree in Business Marketing at Glyndŵr University in Wrexham, she realised that academic qualifications would not be enough just on their own.

Kim said:

“It was when I was on the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association website looking at home ownership schemes that I came across the details of an interesting apprenticeship opportunity where you could gain qualifications in housing while working alongside professional staff,” said Kim.

“I started by shadowing staff in the Contact Centre and I’m currently placed with the Housing Team that covers Flintshire.

“I’ve learnt that there is no such thing as an average day and it’s really enjoyable to think that no two days are the same.”

Kim will be joined by Sammy Johnson who is undertaking an apprenticeship in customer service and Kayleigh Smith who is a Plumbing and Heating Apprentice.

The Deputy Minister said:

"Apprenticeships create enormous benefits. If you invest in an apprentice, then you’re not only investing in the future of your workforce but your business as a whole.

“The Welsh Government is committed to providing apprenticeship opportunities for young people across Wales, and providing support to employers who want to recruit additional apprentices.

“Pennaf have developed highly innovative and well-targeted apprenticeship schemes and put them right at the heart of their business model.

“I was delighted to meet with Kim, Sammy and Kayleigh and hear more about how they are progressing with Pennaf.

“I want to see more women in non-traditional apprenticeships, like heating and plumbing, and Kim, Sammy and Kayleigh have all demonstrated they have the abilities, skills and experience to go far in their chosen field. They are excellent role models.”