The region’s brightest young construction talent has been celebrated at an awards evening in Swansea.
The fifth annual Swansea Bay Construction Support Group Awards were held at the Swansea.com Stadium on Thursday, 25 June, bringing together apprentices, employers and industry partners.
The evening recognised apprentices and new entrants working across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, along with the employers supporting them.
It was hosted by the Swansea singer-songwriter and broadcaster Mal Pope.
Three apprentices took home individual awards on the night.
Liam Miles, of Tilbury Douglas, was named Best Technical Apprentice, while Nathan Taylor, of John Weaver Contractors, took Best Trade Apprentice.
Jack Gravell, of Spartan Scaffolding Solutions, was named Best Scaffolding Apprentice.
Other shortlisted apprentices from member companies were also recognised, including firms such as ASW Property Services, Morganstone, R&M Williams, Craftsman Flooring and Swansea Council.
The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group was set up in 2012 as a not-for-profit collaboration of contractors across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.
Funded through grants, it provides members with affordable training and development, including through its Shared Apprentice Scheme.
John Jones, vice-chairman of the group, said the awards were a chance to recognise the effort being put in by apprentices across the region.
“What stands out each year is not just their progress, but the commitment from employers and training providers who continue to invest in developing new talent,” he said.
Euros Griffiths, the group’s training officer, said watching apprentices develop was one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
He said many were “learning on live projects from day one,” and that the combination of support and real-life experience helped prepare them for long-term careers.
A raffle and auction held on the night raised £1,000, which was split between two local charities.
Hands Up for Downs supports families, carers and children living with Down’s syndrome, helping them access services and community support.
The Jac Lewis Foundation provides mental health support and counselling. It was set up in memory of Jac Lewis, who took his own life, and works to raise awareness, reduce stigma and deliver community outreach.
The awards were supported by Alpha Safety Training and PCR Global as headline sponsors, with Barry Training Services as trophy sponsor.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, the Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org.
