Apprenticeship joy for Wrexham teenager after working on major construction sites in north east Wales

A Wrexham teenager whose goal was to work in the construction sector, has secured an apprenticeship after gaining hands-on experience on prominent projects in north east Wales.

18-year-old Isaac Kemp enrolled on Coleg Cambria’s traineeship programme and secured a placement with Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction.

The former Ysgol Morgan Llwyd pupil was keen to become a site manager, but after taking advice from those in the industry, realised having a trade may help him progress up the career ladder.

Wynne Construction’s site team facilitated work placement opportunities with its supply chain on its projects at Ysgol Penyffordd and Coleg Cambria Yale, and after trying his hand at carpentry and plumbing, Isaac chose to focus on being an electrician.

He is now celebrating after Rhyl-based Fred Weston (Electrical Contractors), which is working on the Yale development, offered him an apprenticeship after impressing them with his work ethic and positive attitude.

Isaac, who will start his four-year Level 3 (AM2) Qualified Electrician apprenticeship in September, said: “When I left school, I applied for various jobs with BT and the army but was unsuccessful, so I decided to visit Careers Wales for help and they recommended the traineeship.

“I tried different trades thanks to Wynne but decided I enjoyed the electrical placement most and felt naturally good at it, so the site team organised for me to transfer to work with Fred Weston at Coleg Cambria’s Yale site.

“Every day is different, and I’ve enjoyed seeing how the project transforms from start to finish. This is my first job since leaving school and I’ve gained other important skills like teamwork and communicating.

“My advice to others looking to work in construction is to just go for it. The application for the traineeship programme was simple and I’ve had lots of support throughout my journey from everyone involved.”

Isaac also sat and completed the site safety plus and CSCS card with no prior knowledge and passed both first time.

Alison Hourihane, business & community development manager at Wynne Construction, said: “He has embraced every piece of advice given to him regarding his progression and we are sure he will go far in his career.”

Isaac is one of four people to go on work experience placement through the scheme with Wynne Construction since 2016, including a joinery student who is now employed as an apprentice by a local company and continues to work on Wynne projects.

Chris Bartlett from Fred Weston Electricals said: “We are thrilled to offer Isaac a permanent position with us as he has constantly displayed enthusiasm and hard work throughout his placement. It can be a difficult trade to master but he has thrived since joining us.

“He is a valued member of the team. He has made a big impression and goes out of his way to get to know everyone and what they do. He is clearly very determined to succeed.”

Amy Rowlands, traineeship construction academy employability mentor at Coleg Cambria, said: “The traineeship plays an important role in helping young people, such as Isaac, get that first foot on the career ladder which isn’t always easy.

“Partnering with companies like Wynne Construction, which can offer various opportunities for young people through its supply chain, is vital. We’re pleased it’s worked out well for Isaac and everyone involved.”