Fifteen apprentices at GE Aviation's Aircraft Engine Servicing facility in Nantgarw have been awarded the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at a ceremony at St James Palace in July.
Fifteen apprentices at GE Aviation's Aircraft Engine Servicing facility in Nantgarw were awarded the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at a ceremony at St James Palace earlier this month. This follows the successful completion of a challenging 18 month programme which saw the group acquire a range of new skills and take part in a volunteering project, a residential assignment, a physical activity and a four day expedition of their choice.
GE Aviation's aircraft servicing business in Nantgarw is the only company in Wales to support apprentices through this initiative.
Comments GE Aviation's MD Adrian Button: "We are delighted that our apprentices have successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. This scheme fits well with the GE culture and is an excellent way for young people to acquire valuable life skills and contribute positively to the local community."
GE allowed the apprentices considerable flexibility in working hours during the project to enable them to participate in their activities. Each apprentice then invested many hours of their own personal time per week over a period in excess of 18 months to complete the programme.
Volunteering work undertaken by the group included building outdoor sensory gardens for a local special needs schools such as Ysgol Erw'r Delyn in Penarth, Heronsbridge School in Bridgend and Abertridwr Infants school to name a few. The apprentices also learned a host of new skills by participating in activities such as Indoor climbing, Tai Kwando, Medieval weapon manufacture for battle re-enactment, Football, Rugby and Various DIY skills.
Commented Ian Rose, 22, an Engineering apprentice from Pontypridd who took part in the scheme and is now employed full time at the GE site: "Working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award was an amazing experience which has significantly boosted my confidence and taught me some important new skills as well as allowing me to try out new things. Tasks like the expedition helped me develop my social skills and taught me management and leadership skills that I can apply in the work place. "
Carrie Owen, 23, from nearby Nelson, who has now completed her three year apprenticeship in Aircraft Engineering and works at the site, thoroughly recommends the award scheme to others: " The whole experience taught me things about myself I never realised. In particular it is a great way to acquire important team building skills."
Following the success of the scheme this year, GE Aviation is intending to support more employees through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 2010/11. This will include expanding the offer of Award participation to anyone on site that is eligible to participate under the Award rules. UK and international Expedition opportunities and additional residential projects worldwide will also be available.
Sara Cruz
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0207-534-0623