Author: Rhys Gregory

As an organisation that makes a major impact on UK decision making, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) prides itself on recruiting and training a high quality workforce. [aoa id=”1″] With 2,177 employees, the ONS has committed to deliver 2.3% of its Welsh workforce as Apprenticeship starts, equating to 44 each year at its Newport headquarters. It is an ambitious programme that has been implemented over the past 18 months co-ordinated by ALS Training, with no less than eight apprenticeship frameworks currently delivered, including the pioneering Data Analytics Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship Programme. [/aoa] Now ONS has been shortlisted for…

A unique approach to further education and training has led to Legal & General Investment Management starting to reap the rewards from investing in its current management team. [aoa id=”1″] Through close collaboration with TSW Training, the Cardiff-based investment arm of the Legal & General Group has tailored an Apprenticeship programme that has developed the leadership skills of 18 of its managers. Now the company has been shortlisted for this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru. The company will be competing to become Large Employer of the Year at the prestigious awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on November 9.…

A leading Cardiff and Vale law firm has enhanced its services to help business owners plan for the future. Robertsons Solicitors is offering support with business lasting powers of attorney (BLPA), which can help prevent a firm from collapsing should the owner be unable to make decisions. [aoa id=”1″]Head of probate Afonwy Howell-Pryce has completed a BLPA course, further adding to Robertsons’ commercial and private client practice. Her department can help business owners consider the implications for their business should they be unable to make decisions due to mental incapacity or inability to manage their affairs, and to put measures…

A Hay-on-Wye company which specialises in providing outsourced packaging solutions to the pharmaceutical industry, completed a notable double at the Powys Business Awards.  [aoa id=”1″]PCI Pharma Services was named Powys Business of the Year, sponsored by Powys County Council and collected the Outstanding Commitment to Training Award, sponsored by NiBS Ltd, at the annual awards dinner held at The Hafren, Newtown.[/aoa] Collecting the awards with account manager Paige Morgan, the company’s training supervisor Tracey Lewis said: “I am delighted to collect these awards on behalf of PCI. They are a fantastic achievement for our team at Hay-on-Wye and make all…

Small North Wales family business Lelo Skip Hire, which has seen its turnover double since recruiting its first apprentice four years ago, is in the running for a prestigious national award. [aoa id=”1″] Oswyn Jones, who runs the Corwen-based company, took on his 16-year-old son Daniel initially on the Jobs Growth Wales programme in 2014. Daniel has since progressed from a Foundation Apprenticeship in Sustainable Resource Management to his current Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Systems and Operations Management with support from Welshpool-based learning provider Cambrian Training Company. [/aoa] As Daniel’s knowledge and skills have increased, so too has the…

Acting legend Jonathan Pryce whose latest movie is tipped for an Oscar swapped the film set for a starring role with the male voice choir he’s vice president of at an international festival in North Wales. [aoa id=”1″] Mr Pryce, who was born in the village of Carmel in Flintshire, brought the curtain down on this year’s hugely successful North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral. At the end of the final concert he took to the stage with the Côr Meibion Trelawnyd male voice choir, of which he is vice president, for a rousing rendition of the…

Former Cardiff Met students Jack Leach and Rory Burns have been called up to the England Cricket squad ahead of the side’s Test series against Sri Lanka. [aoa id=”1″] The duo both spent time at Cardiff MCC University whilst undertaking their higher education studies, a club that is one of six University Centres of Cricketing Excellence supported by Marylebone Cricket Club and has seen a succession of its alumni go on to forge careers at the sport’s top tier. The call up for 28-year-old Rory Burns, who serves as Surrey’s opening batsman, is his first for the Test squad and…

Creative communications agency jamjar has expanded its team following a year of growth and diversification. [aoa id=”1″] The Cowbridge-based agency has appointed Anna Jarvis to head up its creative division and Mari Makarov as visual content producer. Ms Jarvis joins the team from leading outdoor advertising agency JC Decaux in London where she worked with national brands including Comfort and Savse Smoothies. [/aoa] Ms Jarvis, who has a BA in Creative Digital Media, will develop the agency’s creative offering, providing branding, design and digital support to its growing client base, which includes Techniquest, NHS Wales Informatics Service, Scouts Cymru and…

The ITV Wales series Crime Files will tonight (Monday 1st October) tell the story of an horrific murder case from Llanelli. The programme will focus on the last hours of teenager Katrina Evemy and the work done by detectives from Dyfed Powys Police to catch her killer.   In April 2017 Katrina had gone shopping for birthday presents with her one-year-old daughter in Llanelli town centre.   Four hours later she was fighting for her life on her kitchen floor after a ferocious attack on her. The 19-year-old had suffered multiple stab wounds including stab wounds to her eyes and died six…

“Clive will be at the end of the hot coles, and I’ll be walking towards him.” That’s Lorna Prance’s belief as she prepares to walk over hot coles to raise money for terminal illness charity Marie Curie – whose staff provided vital support to both her and late husband Clive at the end of his life. Lorna, who is still recovering following a Stroke in early March, will be among others taking part in the Firewalk at the Old Penarthians Rugby Club on Thursday, October 25.  The charity currently has 20 people signed up, but room for 60 to take…