Aspire, Blaenau Gwent Council鈥檚 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鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Economy & Place, says:
鈥淎spire has been a cornerstone of our commitment to skills development and creating employment here in Blaenau Gwent. It鈥檚 been a hugely successful 10 years, and we continue the good work. We鈥檝e 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鈥檚 certainly delivered on that. Thanks to all our partners for their support and commitment to the skills agenda.鈥�
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:
鈥淲e鈥檙e also proud of our commitment to inclusivity. Over the years, we鈥檝e welcomed a growing number of female apprentices, and that number continues to rise year on year鈥攁 testament to Aspire鈥檚 dedication to breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes within the sector.鈥�
Former 鈥楢pprentice of the Year鈥� Declan Hughes was at the event. He says:
鈥淚 joined the scheme in 2015, right at its inception, and I couldn鈥檛 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鈥檓 proud to work as a Quality Engineer at Aumovio (formerly Continental), a role that鈥檚 taken me across Europe and connected me with inspiring professionals. The scheme鈥檚 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 鈥楢pprentice of the Year鈥� and 鈥楻ole Model of the Year鈥�. Now, I enjoy giving back by mentoring new apprentices and celebrating how far the scheme has come. I鈥檓 proud to have been part of its first decade - and I鈥檓 excited for what鈥檚 next.鈥�
To find out more about the Aspire programme click here.
