The Shared Apprenticeship Scheme celebrates 1000 apprentices – Cellan Jones
The Shared Apprenticeship Scheme is proud to mark a historic achievement – becoming the first of its kind in the UK to support over 1,000 apprentices. We are proud to reflect on the success stories that have shaped our journey. One of those stories is Cellan Jones, 34, a former apprentice who is now a plastering instructor at NPTC Group of Colleges in Neath.
Cellan’s career began in 2008 when he enrolled on a full-time plastering course at Ammanford College. By the end of his first year, CCTAL had opened up apprenticeships in plastering for the first time, and Cellan successfully applied. He was placed with TRJ, an employer who gave him the experience he needed to develop his skills across the trade.
During his time on the scheme, Cellan worked on a wide range of projects including schools, hospitals, churches, commercial and heritage buildings. He credits Cyfle with helping him build a strong foundation by supporting him throughout his apprenticeship and arranging additional placements to expand his experience.
“The scheme placed me with a good employer who covered most of the plastering aspects I needed,” he explains. “They also helped me gain experience with other contractors, which gave me a broader understanding of the trade.”
Cellan is especially grateful to those who supported him during his apprenticeship. “My college tutors were really supportive, and I had great guidance from Anthony Rees and Lynette Anthony. I also want to thank the plasterers I worked with on site – I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
Looking back, Cellan describes being part of the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme as something special. “It felt like being part of a group. I still see others who were in the same college class as me who went through the same pathway.”
After completing his apprenticeship, Cellan went on to gain an NVQ in heritage plastering and worked on a number of historic buildings. More recently, he completed his teaching degree and began sharing his knowledge as an instructor at NPTC Group of Colleges, supporting both full-time students and apprentices.
“All that I learned during my apprenticeship, I now pass on to my students,” he says. “It’s rewarding to help others take the first steps in their careers the same way I did.”
To those thinking about a construction apprenticeship, Cellan offers simple advice: “Give it a go. You’ll learn so much within the trade.”
Cellan’s story is just one of many that reflects the amazing long-term value of our Shared Apprenticeship Scheme. From apprentice to educator, Cellan’s journey is a testament to the opportunities quality training and support can create.
Congratulations, Cellan and thank you for being such an important part of our journey, just as we’ve been proud to be part of yours. Here’s to the next 1,000 apprentices!