Aspire, Blaenau Gwent Council’s shared apprenticeship programme, is celebrating 10 years of supporting people into work. The anniversary was marked with a special celebratory event at the General Offices, Ebbw Vale, last night, bringing together Council and Welsh Government representatives, local businesses and of course some of the apprentices themselves. The evening concluded with a presentation of special engraved glasses to the apprentices to mark their participation in the scheme.
Since it began, Aspire has stood as a flagship initiative - a shining example of what can be achieved when industry, education, Welsh Government, and local government come together with a shared vision.
Aspire has supported over 200 apprentices in Blaenau Gwent, with its sister programme in Merthyr Tydfil also making a remarkable impact, supporting over 150 apprentices in just seven years. Apprenticeships have been secured within the Council and with local businesses in fields including engineering, health and social care, sports development, education and learning, pharmaceutical, IT, finance and many more.
Cllr John Morgan, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy & Place, says:
“Aspire has been a cornerstone of our commitment to skills development and creating employment here in Blaenau Gwent. It’s been a hugely successful 10 years, and we continue the good work. We’ve seen young people grow in confidence, develop vital skills, and nurture ambition - many of whom are now leading in their fields. From the very beginning, Aspire has been driven by a clear mission, to create aspirational opportunities for young people, and it’s certainly delivered on that. Thanks to all our partners for their support and commitment to the skills agenda.”
The Aspire team actively recruits from all secondary schools in the county borough and local colleges, as well as supporting those in the wider community, to ensure that opportunities are accessible to a wide and diverse range of learners.
Cllr Morgan added:
“We’re also proud of our commitment to inclusivity. Over the years, we’ve welcomed a growing number of female apprentices, and that number continues to rise year on year—a testament to Aspire’s dedication to breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes within the sector.”
Former ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Declan Hughes was at the event. He says:
“I joined the scheme in 2015, right at its inception, and I couldn’t have imagined the journey it would set in motion. With incredible support from the team, I gained multiple qualifications -including NVQs, HNCs, and a university degree - that laid the foundations for my career in engineering. Today, I’m proud to work as a Quality Engineer at Aumovio (formerly Continental), a role that’s taken me across Europe and connected me with inspiring professionals. The scheme’s team-building events helped forge lasting friendships and valuable networks, many of which continue to thrive. During my time in the programme, I was honoured to receive both ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Role Model of the Year’. Now, I enjoy giving back by mentoring new apprentices and celebrating how far the scheme has come. I’m proud to have been part of its first decade - and I’m excited for what’s next.”
To find out more about the Aspire programme click here.
