Blaenau Gwent Council has been marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 by celebrating the achievements of people whose lives and careers have been transformed through opportunities supported by the Council and local employers.
For more than a decade, the Council’s flagship shared apprenticeship programme, Aspire, has played a crucial role in creating high‑quality training and employment routes for people across the county borough. Since it began, Aspire has supported over 200 apprentices, with opportunities spanning engineering, health and social care, sports development, education, IT, finance, pharmaceutical industries and more.
As part of this year’s celebrations, the Council is highlighting real stories from local apprentices who have flourished through the programme - demonstrating the difference that practical training, industry partnerships and tailored support can make to individuals, employers and communities.
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy & Place, said:
“National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to shine a spotlight on the amazing achievements of our apprentices and all those who support them. Aspire has been a cornerstone of our commitment to skills development and a real driver of opportunity here in Blaenau Gwent.
“We’ve seen young people grow in confidence, develop vital skills and progress into successful careers, with many now leading in their fields. From the start, Aspire’s mission has been to create aspirational opportunities for young people, and it continues to deliver on that ambition thanks to the dedication of our partners, employers and training providers.”
The Aspire team works closely with all secondary schools in the county borough, local colleges and wider community groups to ensure opportunities reach a diverse range of learners. This includes a growing number of women entering traditionally male‑dominated industries - something the Council is proud to celebrate during National Apprenticeship Week.
Chris Davies, Head of Manufacturing and Maintenance at Aumovio, said:
"At Aumovio we really value our apprentices. A lot of time is spent analysing future business requirements to try and ensure we are developing strong candidates for the future. We find Aspire a great help in this process. We will hold meeting to discuss pathways for apprentices that meet both the apprentice and company needs. Aspire are a great help also in the selection and interviewing process. One of the major benefits we see with Aspire, is the support they offer to both our company and to each apprentice. We have worked with Aspire for many years and built up a strong working relationship that really works."
Will Selway, apprentice at Aumovio, said:
“When Aspire received my CV they found me a work experience placement and then helped me find a company that would take me on as an apprentice. My workplace, my assessor and my Aspire mentor have supported me to ensure I stay on track to achieve my qualifications.”
Lisa Girffin, Team Manager in Environmental Health at Blaenau Gwent Council said:
“Having an apprentice as part of your workforce is a fantastic and rewarding experience. It injects a new lease of life into a team and gives the experienced team members the opportunity to share their wealth of knowledge and skills, leave a legacy for the future and to feel part of that new officer’s journey. It allows us to harness new talent and bring fresh ideas and perspectives into the mix. Offering an apprenticeship is something that I feel is an integral part of robust business planning and future organisational success by ensuring effective succession planning. I would advocate apprenticeships to any employer.”
Apprentice Helen Lewis said:
“The support I have been receiving from the whole Environmental Health team, my manager and apprenticeship mentor for nearly two years has been amazing, so reassuring, and integral to my experience. To earn a qualification or two whilst earning a wage is, of course, an incredible opportunity, but most importantly, I’m gaining hands on graduated experience, rather than solely from academic learning, which puts me in a strong position for future employment. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is considering it.”
Throughout the week, the Council has been sharing case studies which help to highlight the real impact that apprenticeships make across Blaenau Gwent.
To see some of these and find out more about Aspire click here.
