Minister celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with civil engineering apprentices8th Mar 2019

Economy Minister Ken Skates visited Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK to meet some of its civil engineering apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

National Apprenticeship Week 2019 is a week-long celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals and businesses.

Speaking after the visit, Economy Minister Ken Skates said:  “It was a pleasure to visit Jones Bros, a family founded and run civil engineering company that employs around 350 people here in Ruthin,  and is behind some of the flagship North Wales infrastructure schemes including the Llangefni Link Road.

“In the last five years, Jones Bros has recruited and trained an average of 34 apprentices per year,  with each employed by the company from day one and benefiting from the  high-quality training provided at its dedicated training facility.”

Richard Owen, training manager at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “Jones Bros is an industry leader for apprenticeships, and the feedback we have from those taking part is incredible.

“Our apprenticeship programmes not only train the learners how to carry out their work, but they give them life skills and a very solid foundation for their career progression.

“The vast majority of our apprentices have stayed with the company after completing their apprenticeship, with some now enrolled on our higher apprenticeship course as part of their career development.

“We were pleased to have the chance to showcase how our apprentices have, and will continue to, impact the Welsh economy by working and developing new skills on significant projects in the region such as the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass.”

Gary Salisbury, 21, from Buckley, Flintshire, graduated from Jones Bros’ general construction operative (GCO) apprenticeship programme in 2017. He is now studying towards the level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment (civil engineering).

Gary said: “The training and support provided throughout my Jones Bros career has been second-to-none. The apprenticeship course and the experience gained on site is something you cannot buy or learn just in a classroom.

“In my interview three years ago I mentioned I wanted to become an engineer and Jones Bros has given me the pathway to achieve that while supporting me all the way through.

“I’m already seeing the benefits of the higher apprenticeship while out on site, including having a better understanding of day-to-day operations.”

Josh Carter, 27, from Valley, Anglesey, graduated from Jones Bros’ plant operative apprenticeship in 2018. He is now studying towards the level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the built environment (civil engineering).

Josh said: “The apprenticeship and two years as a plant operator provided me with valuable experience across the different sectors that Jones Bros works in.

“The HNC course puts me on the path to becoming a trainee engineer, and my past experience as a plant operator will prove to be a very valuable asset for me going forward.

“I have been very fortunate for Jones Bros to give me this opportunity and would recommend the apprenticeship courses to anyone who is seeking to start a career in civil engineering.”