Swansea-based aluminium manufacturing and installation solutions company AB Glass has shown its dedication to addressing the skills shortage in the UK by welcoming three apprentices to the firm.
Louis Furlong and Samuel Grey, both aged 16, and Callum Griffiths, aged 21, all from Swansea, have each secured one-year apprentices with AB Glass, with Callum going on to secure a full-time position at the business.
The apprenticeships involve working closely with AB Glass in the estimating and procurement departments with tasks including training on cost sheets and quotation letters; accurately scaling projects; understanding industry based bespoke computer programming; and managing supplier lists.
The apprenticeships have been implemented in partnership with Swansea ITeC, helping to provide those aged 16 and over living in Wales and not in full-time education an apprenticeship opportunity, which can give essential job-specific skills, knowledge and professional qualifications.
AB Glass has welcomed 10 apprentices to the company over the last four years, with most apprentices being offered full-time employment at the firm following completion of their apprenticeships.
Callum, who now works in AB Glass’ estimating and sales department, said:
“Completing my apprenticeship with AB Glass has meant I now have a full-time job and secure employment. I’ve passed my IT User Level 2 qualification through AB Glass and ITeC, so I’ve gained new skills as well as experience of working life in the company.”
Alan Brayley, managing director at AB Glass, commented: “Business leaders need to understand the importance of apprenticeships to secure manufacturing’s future. Introducing young people into the workplace can be very rewarding not only for the individual and their career, but for the productivity of the company.
“We are proud to support apprenticeships at AB Glass and we value the work that they do with us. More emphasis needs to be placed on raising awareness of the importance of apprentices to employers, educational institutions and supportive bodies for the future of business.”
