Matthew’s story- “Once you start learning you find it easier to learn other stuff”
Matthew Rees, a charge hand in our trades team, finished his NCH apprenticeship in 2014 And then joined us with full-time job.
He worked at two of the city’s most well-known employers before he found his career with us. He wants to encourage more people to apply for apprenticeships as it gives the perfect mix of learning in college and on-the-job experience.
“I was a mechanical engineer apprentice in Llanwern and then joined the National Statistics Office. Both places were great employers but I felt I wanted to get out and about and not work in the same place every day.
“Five carpentry apprentices came up with NCH and I got one of them. It was different in those days, in my first year it was three days in college and two in work. During my first year I worked with a contractor who was doing kitchen refurbs for NCH. That was a great experience of seeing how the full range of trades all work together to get a job done.
“Then in my second year I was in college for one day a week and worked in-house with NCH for four days a week.
“My job now is a mix of being out on the tools and stepping up to cover Chris Vaughan, my manager when he is off. I regularly work with an apprentice and I enjoy helping her have the same positive experience I had to pass my apprenticeship.
“The apprenticeship was just good to be learning something new, it was lessons you could take home- literally. I’ve done so many DIY jobs in my house because of it.
“Once you start learning you find it easier to learn other stuff.
“It's a good opportunity and is something you have for life. Getting a trade means you can go anywhere in the world. You have them papers and it opens up a lot for you.”
Apprentice opportunities with NCH
Our next recruitment campaign is likely to be in Summer 2022. We do it around this time to be close to the term time dates of local colleges.
Right now, we don’t know how many vacancies we will have or what roles we will need so please make sure you check our jobs page and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
More information on apprenticeships
Across Wales you can find out about more opportunities and information by following #AWWales on social media.
Follow Apprentice Wales on Twitter and like ApprenticeshipsCymru on Facebook
The Welsh Government’s website has an information page about apprentices.
Apprentice vacancies in Wales
Use this ‘Search for an apprenticeship vacancy tool’ on the Welsh Government’s website to look at roles in different areas and sectors.