Search Results for “Jobs Growth Wales ” – ˿ Training Just another WordPress site Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:13:14 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Captiva Spa /success-stories/captiva-spa/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:05:45 +0000 /?post_type=success_story&p=8165

Caerphilly-based Captiva Spa is one of many Welsh businesses seeing the benefits of professional collaboration after offering work placements to learners.

Through their partnership with Wales’ leading training provider, ˿, Captiva Spa has opened its doors to young apprentices aged 16 to 19, offering them real-world experience and the chance to develop practical, on-the-job skills.

Sarah Bruton, Managing Director at Captiva Spa, decided to offer placements in response to the gap between education and employment readiness, something that she believed a placement would bridge.

“We all know there’s a gap between what’s taught in school and what’s needed in the workplace, especially in the hair and beauty sector,” Sarah said. “Rather than complaining about that gap, we thought ‘why not be part of the solution?’”

While there were initial concerns about the additional commitments needed to support young learners, Sarah quickly found those fears to be unfounded.

“We expected it to be time-consuming and potentially challenging. But in reality, the learners were incredibly quick to adapt. They brought a real energy to the salon and very quickly became valued members of the team.”

And the impact has extended well beyond just having an extra pair of hands.

“[The learners] ask questions, they challenge us to think differently, and that’s helped us improve our processes. They’re also much more aware of social media and emerging trends, which helps keep the business fresh and appealing to younger audiences.”

Captiva Spa has also seen how valuable these placements are in developing future talent. Many of the learners go on to stay with the business, becoming long-term employees. One standout success is the salon’s current deputy manager, who started as a learner on placement.

“We’ve seen learners grow massively in just a few months. Their communication improves, their confidence grows, and they become genuine assets to the business.”

And the benefits aren’t just one-sided. While learners gain invaluable workplace experience, the business gains a clearer understanding of its own development needs.

“Having learners on board has made us think more strategically about staff training and mentoring. It’s influenced how we approach workforce development across the whole team.”

The placement programme has also helped foster a culture of mentorship at Captiva Spa; something Sarah sees as vital not just for learners, but for all staff whether they’ve been with the company 10 weeks or 10 years.

“It’s made us better at supporting each other. Our team now thrives on sharing knowledge, and that culture of learning benefits everyone.”

Asked what advice Sarah would give to other businesses considering whether to offer placement she said: “Don’t focus on what the learners don’t know yet. Focus on what

you can teach them. You’ll find they bring just as much to your business as you give to them.”

Captiva Spa’s story is just one example of how work-based learning can benefit both learners and employers alike. ˿ works with businesses across Wales to help young people gain meaningful experiences.

˿ is encouraging more employers to sign its Employer Pledge – a commitment to support Jobs Growth Wales+ learners aged 16 to 19 through real-world work placements.

By signing the pledge, businesses can play a vital role in developing young talent, shaping future professionals, and bringing fresh perspectives into their teams. In turn, learners gain confidence, resilience, and invaluable skills that can’t be taught in the classroom.

For more information about how to get involved and support the next generation head

]]> Nathan Emary /success-stories/nathan-emary/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:01:56 +0000 /?post_type=success_story&p=8168 An ˿ learner,who joined the Jobs Growth Wales + programme while in the process of building his own computer, has gained an apprenticeship with Legal & General.

Nathan Emary has been studying IT, alongside Essential Skills, and was drawn to the JGW+ pathway after finishing school as it offered him work experience and a chance to earn money. This was particularly of interest to Nathan who was building a PC at the time and wanted to gain some additional IT skills as well as funds to be able to finance the project.

“The atmosphere [within JGW+] is like no other,” he said. “I get along with all the learners there and the class is very welcoming. My tutor Matt is the best, I’ve never clicked with anyone in the role like him and the way he lets everyone learn at their own pace is very refreshing – it definitely allows me to fully take in anything he is teaching.

“He will also be happy to go over anything with me personally and is always available for a general chat even with teaching multiple students at once.”

Nathan will now be heading to Legal and General and undertaking a foundation apprentice in Customer Services and Providing Financial Services withHe will be responsible for checking and processing documents.

“My time at ˿ has definitely helped me with the hybrid work environment I will have at Legal and General as we are virtual 2-3 days a week.

“[In terms of skills gained at ˿] communication and collaboration are key and these have helped me significantly.”

Despite just landing the role, Nathan is keen to not rest on his laurels and has big aspirations for his future career.

“In the long term I would like to be in charge of my own company. I want to move up in Legal and General, gaining the most experience and qualifications, and hopefully moving to a managing position. I eventually want to start my own business involving smart technology.”

Matthew Hillier, Nathan’s IT tutor at ˿, said: “Nathan has been an absolute pleasure to have in IT on JGW+. Supporting Nathan to grow and develop through the course has been a privilege and I am inspired by of all of the progress he has made and the challenges he has overcome.

“Nathan has now secured an amazing opportunity with Legal & General, which I am confident he will excel in and prove to be a strong asset to the company. I am enormously proud of Nathan and wish him all of the very best with his future.”

If you are 16 to 19 years old and would like to learn more about Jobs Growth Wales + you can find further details and courseshere.

]]> Ramsay & White /success-stories/ramsay-white/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:56:08 +0000 /?post_type=success_story&p=8167

A Cardiff-based finance broker specialising in mortgages and independent financial advice has added new talent to the team through the Jobs Growth Wales + programme.

Ramsay & White has recently welcomed two permanent members of staff to their administrative team after JGW+ learners, Seren and Tate, showcased their hard work on placement with the company.

The additions are especially important for Head of Admin at Ramsay & White, Rachel Morley, who is a former JGW+ learner herself and who jumped at the opportunity to support learners beginning their career.

“We’re one of the fastest-growing finance companies in the UK,” Rachel explained, “and many years ago, JGW gave me my start in this industry. It’s a full-circle moment to now help others find their feet in finance.”

Seren and Tate have both been recruited as case managers to support Ramsay & White’s administrative hub – a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of client cases.

When asked what the company was looking for in potential candidates, Rachel said:

“We needed individuals who were willing to be proactive and motivated, and learn. Those qualities were essential because the work involves a lot of detailed processes.”

And it didn’t take long for Seren and Tate to impress their employer. Their determination and enthusiasm stood out, leading to the offer of permanent contracts. “[The transition] was seamless,” Rachel said. “They’re now fully up and running, managing their own cases and working directly with clients. All we needed to do was issue new permanent contracts.”

The impact of the two new team members has been significant. “[Seren and Tate] have brought stability and growth to the business and have truly become part of the team,” Rachel added.

For Ramsay & White, the decision to take on learners through Jobs Growth Wales+ has been a resounding success. Talking about the importance of providing opportunities for learners, Rachel commented: “Everyone starts somewhere. Why not give a chance to someone who’s eager to learn and ready to start their career path?”

Further to this, Rachel encourages other businesses to consider bringing learners or apprentices on board. “100%—give it a go,” she said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses and learners alike. Not only can it help a business grow, but it also gives learners the chance to begin building their future.”

For learners,Jobs Growth Wales+offers a pathway to develop skills and gain valuable work experience. For employers, it can be the key to unlocking future talent within your sector.

]]> Employer and learner partnership helps business go from strength to strength /blog/2025/07/01/employer-and-learner-partnership-helps-business-go-from-strength-to-strength/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:35:48 +0000 /?p=8161 Caerphilly-based Captiva Spa is one of many Welsh businesses seeing the benefits of professional collaboration after offering work placements to learners.

Through their partnership with Wales’ leading training provider, ˿, Captiva Spa has opened its doors to young apprentices aged 16 to 19, offering them real-world experience and the chance to develop practical, on-the-job skills.

Sarah Bruton, Managing Director at Captiva Spa, decided to offer placements in response to the gap between education and employment readiness, something that she believed a placement would bridge.

“We all know there’s a gap between what’s taught in school and what’s needed in the workplace, especially in the hair and beauty sector,” Sarah said. “Rather than complaining about that gap, we thought ‘why not be part of the solution?’”

While there were initial concerns about the additional commitments needed to support young learners, Sarah quickly found those fears to be unfounded.

“We expected it to be time-consuming and potentially challenging. But in reality, the learners were incredibly quick to adapt. They brought a real energy to the salon and very quickly became valued members of the team.”

And the impact has extended well beyond just having an extra pair of hands.

“[The learners] ask questions, they challenge us to think differently, and that’s helped us improve our processes. They’re also much more aware of social media and emerging trends, which helps keep the business fresh and appealing to younger audiences.”

Captiva Spa has also seen how valuable these placements are in developing future talent. Many of the learners go on to stay with the business, becoming long-term employees. One standout success is the salon’s current deputy manager, who started as a learner on placement.

“We’ve seen learners grow massively in just a few months. Their communication improves, their confidence grows, and they become genuine assets to the business.”

And the benefits aren’t just one-sided. While learners gain invaluable workplace experience, the business gains a clearer understanding of its own development needs.

“Having learners on board has made us think more strategically about staff training and mentoring. It’s influenced how we approach workforce development across the whole team.”

The placement programme has also helped foster a culture of mentorship at Captiva Spa; something Sarah sees as vital not just for learners, but for all staff whether they’ve been with the company 10 weeks or 10 years.

“It’s made us better at supporting each other. Our team now thrives on sharing knowledge, and that culture of learning benefits everyone.”

Asked what advice Sarah would give to other businesses considering whether to offer placement she said: “Don’t focus on what the learners don’t know yet. Focus on what

you can teach them. You’ll find they bring just as much to your business as you give to them.”

Captiva Spa’s story is just one example of how work-based learning can benefit both learners and employers alike. ˿ works with businesses across Wales to help young people gain meaningful experiences.

˿ is encouraging more employers to sign its Employer Pledge – a commitment to support Jobs Growth Wales+ learners aged 16 to 19 through real-world work placements.

By signing the pledge, businesses can play a vital role in developing young talent, shaping future professionals, and bringing fresh perspectives into their teams. In turn, learners gain confidence, resilience, and invaluable skills that can’t be taught in the classroom.

For more information about how to get involved and support the next generation head

]]> Lois Denatale /success-stories/lois-denatale/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:56:19 +0000 /?post_type=success_story&p=8158

Back in 2021, learner Lois Denatale began a placement with Caerphilly-based business Sauce (previously Print Sauce). Lois was a driven teenager eager to get experience in the workplace while working towards her Business Administration apprenticeship. Fast forward four years and Lois is still going strong at the South Wales signage company – now a highly-skilled and experienced member of the team.

Lois initially discovered the opportunity through her ˿ assessor, Michelle Marshall.

“I was on placement when I found out there might be an apprenticeship opportunity with Sauce,” Lois explained previously. “The role appealed to me because it was very varied and no two days were the same. The apprenticeship let me start without experience and learn on the job.”

Sauce is known for producing bespoke signage and vehicle graphics for a range of big-name clients including Warner Bros, Cardiff University, Cardiff Met, the University of South Wales, and Monmouthshire Council.

While there were some initial uncertainties about offering placements to young workers, it was always something Gary Bagstaff, the company’s director, was eager to try.

“I grew up in Caerphilly and so supporting the local community has always been important to me,” Gary said. “For us to be able to give a young person from the town an opportunity makes me feel proud – it’s also good for the business.

“Before we got in touch with ˿, I was a little daunted about what was involved in taking on an apprentice or a young learner. It wasn’t something I knew anything about, but once I spoke to ˿ it was really straightforward. They came out to see us and the process was simple from day one. I’d recommend it to any business.”

Over the years, Lois has taken on increasing responsibility within the team and, despite now completing her studies, continues to find enjoyment and new skills within the work.

“My initial placement has now evolved into a full-time job. It’s brilliant working here, it’s a really fun job to do.

“The placement helped me to develop my communication skills and make me feel more confident in speaking with customers,” she added. “Everyone helped me feel valued and part of the team.”

˿ is encouraging more employers to support Jobs Growth Wales+ learners aged 16 to 19 through real-world work placements.

By working with ˿, businesses can play a vital role in developing young talent, shaping future professionals, and bringing fresh perspectives into their teams. In turn, learners gain confidence, resilience, and invaluable skills that can’t be taught in the classroom.

For more information about how to get involved and support the next generation

]]> Ethan Smith /success-stories/ethan-smith/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:46:34 +0000 /?post_type=success_story&p=8155 When EthanSmith joined the Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme in 2023, hairdressing wasn’t even on his radar. But just over a year later, he’s thriving in a salon that he describes as his “forever fit,” progressing through a Level 2 apprenticeship and planning for a long-term career in the industry.

Though firmly established now,Ethan’s journey began in a completely different field.

“I started with JGW+ in 2023. At first, I thought I wanted to go into childcare,” he explained. “But JGW+ and ˿ have supported me through every twist and turn. They helped me discover the career I didn’t know was meant for me.”

After exploring different routes, including retail, it was a simple suggestion from his tutor, Kayleigh Carter, that changed everything. “I suggested he try out hairdressing,” she said. “From day one, it just clicked for him. He’s thrown himself into it ever since and has really found his spark, hairdressing suits him perfectly.”

Ethansays the hands-on elements of the JGW+ programme were what drew him in.

“As a learner, I loved the practical side. It gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a hairdresser. The theory was explained well too, it made everything easier to understand.”

But the path wasn’t always smooth. His first salon placement wasn’t the right fit. “I felt like I couldn’t reach my full potential there,” he said. “I raised my concerns with JGW+ and ˿, and they supported me completely. I was out of placement for three months, but they kept me going, helping with coursework and practical training in-centre.”

Then came a turning point in December 2024.Ethanstarted at a new salon and everything changed. “I found a salon that I can see myself in forever. It restored my confidence completely. Now I’ve been taken on as a Level 2 apprentice, and I’m being pushed to reach my full potential every day.”

Kayleigh, a JGW+ Skills Tutor at ˿, has seen first-hand how farEthanhas come. “Ethanis a really kind and friendly person who’s always up for giving things a go,” she said. “He wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to take at first, but he stuck with it and kept pushing forward. I’m very proud of him.”

Talking about the support he received from ˿,Ethansaid: “They were always there whether it was about placements, coursework, or even personal struggles. They never let me fall behind. Kayleigh, in particular, has been amazing. Nothing was ever too much for her. She really encouraged me to stick with what I was good at.”

Looking ahead,Ethanhas a clear path to follow. “My goal is to complete both Level 2 and Level 3 in hairdressing and barbering,” he explained. “I want to keep growing in the salon and maybe one day specialise in a particular area.

“None of this would have been possible without JGW+ and ˿. I’m forever grateful.”

For those considering JGW+ as a post-16 education route,Ethanshared: “Do it! There are no limits with this programme. They’ll do everything they can to get you on the career ladder and into the profession that’s right for you.”

Find out more about JGW+here.

]]> Learner finds his calling with Jobs Growth Wales + /blog/2025/06/30/learner-finds-his-calling-with-jobs-growth-wales/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:02:25 +0000 /?p=8140 When Ethan Smith joined the Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme in 2023, hairdressing wasn’t even on his radar. But just over a year later, he’s thriving in a salon that he describes as his “forever fit,” progressing through a Level 2 apprenticeship and planning for a long-term career in the industry.

Though firmly established now, Ethan’s journey began in a completely different field.

“I started with JGW+ in 2023. At first, I thought I wanted to go into childcare,” he explained. “But JGW+ and ˿ have supported me through every twist and turn. They helped me discover the career I didn’t know was meant for me.”

After exploring different routes, including retail, it was a simple suggestion from his tutor, Kayleigh Carter, that changed everything. “I suggested he try out hairdressing,” she said. “From day one, it just clicked for him. He’s thrown himself into it ever since and has really found his spark, hairdressing suits him perfectly.”

Ethan says the hands-on elements of the JGW+ programme were what drew him in.

“As a learner, I loved the practical side. It gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a hairdresser. The theory was explained well too, it made everything easier to understand.”

But the path wasn’t always smooth. His first salon placement wasn’t the right fit. “I felt like I couldn’t reach my full potential there,” he said. “I raised my concerns with JGW+ and ˿, and they supported me completely. I was out of placement for three months, but they kept me going, helping with coursework and practical training in-centre.”

Then came a turning point in December 2024. Ethan started at a new salon and everything changed. “I found a salon that I can see myself in forever. It restored my confidence completely. Now I’ve been taken on as a Level 2 apprentice, and I’m being pushed to reach my full potential every day.”

Kayleigh, a JGW+ Skills Tutor at ˿, has seen first-hand how far Ethan has come. “Ethan is a really kind and friendly person who’s always up for giving things a go,” she said. “He wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to take at first, but he stuck with it and kept pushing forward. I’m very proud of him.”

Talking about the support he received from ˿, Ethan said: “They were always there whether it was about placements, coursework, or even personal struggles. They never let me fall behind. Kayleigh, in particular, has been amazing. Nothing was ever too much for her. She really encouraged me to stick with what I was good at.”

Looking ahead, Ethan has a clear path to follow. “My goal is to complete both Level 2 and Level 3 in hairdressing and barbering,” he explained. “I want to keep growing in the salon and maybe one day specialise in a particular area.

“None of this would have been possible without JGW+ and ˿. I’m forever grateful.”

For those considering JGW+ as a post-16 education route, Ethan shared: “Do it! There are no limits with this programme. They’ll do everything they can to get you on the career ladder and into the profession that’s right for you.”

Find out more about JGW+ here.

]]> Jobs Growth Wales+ Learners /what-we-offer/jobs-growth-wales/learners/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:19:02 +0000 /?page_id=8102 Jobs Growth Wales+ NEW /what-we-offer/jobs-growth-wales-new-28373/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:32:03 +0000 /?page_id=7877 Learner placement leads to meaningful career /blog/2025/06/24/learner-placement-leads-to-meaningful-career/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:29:19 +0000 /?p=7872 Back in 2021, learner Lois Denatale began a placement with Caerphilly-based business Sauce (previously Print Sauce). Lois was a driven teenager eager to get experience in the workplace while working towards her Business Administration apprenticeship. Fast forward four years and Lois is still going strong at the South Wales signage company – now a highly-skilled and experienced member of the team.

Lois initially discovered the opportunity through her ˿ assessor, Michelle Marshall.

“I was on placement when I found out there might be an apprenticeship opportunity with Sauce,” Lois explained previously. “The role appealed to me because it was very varied and no two days were the same. The apprenticeship let me start without experience and learn on the job.”

Sauce is known for producing bespoke signage and vehicle graphics for a range of big-name clients including Warner Bros, Cardiff University, Cardiff Met, the University of South Wales, and Monmouthshire Council.

While there were some initial uncertainties about offering placements to young workers, it was always something Gary Bagstaff, the company’s director, was eager to try.

“I grew up in Caerphilly and so supporting the local community has always been important to me,” Gary said. “For us to be able to give a young person from the town an opportunity makes me feel proud – it’s also good for the business.

“Before we got in touch with ˿, I was a little daunted about what was involved in taking on an apprentice or a young learner. It wasn’t something I knew anything about, but once I spoke to ˿ it was really straightforward. They came out to see us and the process was simple from day one. I’d recommend it to any business.”

Over the years, Lois has taken on increasing responsibility within the team and, despite now completing her studies, continues to find enjoyment and new skills within the work.

“My initial placement has now evolved into a full-time job. It’s brilliant working here, it’s a really fun job to do.

“The placement helped me to develop my communication skills and make me feel more confident in speaking with customers,” she added. “Everyone helped me feel valued and part of the team.”

˿ is encouraging more employers to support Jobs Growth Wales+ learners aged 16 to 19 through real-world work placements.

By working with ˿, businesses can play a vital role in developing young talent, shaping future professionals, and bringing fresh perspectives into their teams. In turn, learners gain confidence, resilience, and invaluable skills that can’t be taught in the classroom.

For more information about how to get involved and support the next generation

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