Henry Jones, a 24-year-old highways inspector employed by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, has successfully finished his Level 2 Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship through The Construction Hub Academy in collaboration with Coleg y Cymoedd.
Henry has been actively engaged in work-based learning which has enabled him to develop new skills and knowledge that are relevant for his role as an inspector. Devoting a day each month to classroom sessions, he concurrently maintained his full-time job, undergoing frequent assessments and submitting evidence of proficiency in various areas.
Completing the course in summer, 2023 Henry comments, “I struggled at school with dyslexia, and I knew university was not an option for me. After experimenting with several jobs, I received an offer to pursue an apprenticeship, and the council has been incredibly supportive of my educational ambitions. What's particularly beneficial is that I've been studying a subject supported by my day-to-day responsibilities, providing a practical application to complement my theoretical learning.
“It’s actually given me a real boost and much more confidence in my abilities, and I’m already considering upskilling even further by doing a HNC course.”
Henry also praised his assessor, Dan, noting that Dan demonstrated exceptional knowledge and had answers to all of Henry's questions. Henry also went on to say that “The Construction Hub Academy couldn’t do enough for all of us studying, and this helped when the course was difficult, and it felt challenging. All I would say is if anybody is thinking about doing an apprenticeship, just do it. The apprenticeship has turned a corner for me, and it has honestly changed my life.”
Maria Jones, EET Co-ordinator at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, commented “Henry has grown so much in a person since undertaking his Apprenticeship journey. He enjoyed completing his qualification with The Construction Hub Academy and the support he received was second to none. He gained excellent knowledge and skills and has secured a Highways Inspector role within two-years. I look forward to seeing him progress within his chosen career."
Chris Rosser, director at The Construction Hub Academy, commented “We are very proud of Henry for demonstrating exceptional commitment in a course that involves rigorous assessments; his perseverance has truly paid off. We are delighted that the course has not only enabled him to find his career path but has also brought about a positive life change.”
Henry also won the Tomorrow's Talent Apprenticeship Award for completing a Highways apprenticeship with the council. The award was presented to him at the Skills Academy Wales Partnership Awards at Grŵp Colegau NPTC Group of Colleges in November 2023.
