News

Apprenticeship degrees awarded to staff

Published

6 years ago

October 14, 2019

TWO MEMBERS of staff from Pembrokeshire County Council have gained places on an Open University (OU) applied software engineering apprenticeship degree.

Fully funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), the four-year course integrates academic and work-based learning.

It will enable them to become skilled at designing, building and evaluating software components and systems while applying it to projects they are carrying out at the Council.

For Transformation Support Officer Erin Smith, 26, the degree will complement her work in data analysis, research and project co-ordination.

“The course will give me the software knowledge and experience to develop IT solutions to improve services,” she said. “It’s also all very much about developing problem-solving software skills which will really fit in with our work in Transformation.”

One of the degree conditions is that the participants have no higher education qualifications in a similar subject. Erin, who worked at Landsker Business Solutions in Narberth after leaving school, said she felt very fortunate to have the opportunity.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the transformation team and I’m really excited about it,” she said.

IT developer Jon Godwin, 34, is also eagerly anticipating getting started.

“The main thing I’m looking forward to it that I’ll be able to get a really comprehensive knowledge of various aspects of software development that I haven’t yet learnt in work,” he said.

Jon added that the degree would fit in well with much of his day-to-day work.

“There’s a lot of on-the-job projects, so much of what I’ll be doing will be very useful and benefit the work we’re doing as an authority,” he said.

Cllr Neil Prior, Cabinet Member for Transformation and IT, said it was great that the Council was embracing OU apprenticeship degrees.

“From a personal and professional viewpoint, it’s fantastic to see that two young, enthusiastic and talented members of staff have been given the opportunity to further their professional development,” he said.

The Council also offers apprenticeship learning opportunities and traineeships through Futureworks, a work-based learning provider, and earlier this year, the construction department recruited its first apprentice project manager.

Charity

Round Table supports Paul Sartori Foundation with donation and talk

Published

15 seconds ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN ROUND TABLE welcomed representatives from the Paul Sartori Foundation for an evening of discussion, awareness and community support earlier this month.

The event, held at the Lord Nelson Hotel on Wednesday (Mar 11), brought together 19 Round Table members alongside Rosie-Faye Hart, Community Relationship Officer, and Mandy Jones, Future Care Planning Officer.

Members heard an informative and engaging presentation from the charity team, focusing on the importance of planning ahead and supporting those with life-limiting illness.

Mandy Jones spoke about future care planning, encouraging early conversations and explaining key aspects such as Power of Attorney and setting out personal care wishes. She helped simplify what can often be seen as a complex and difficult subject.

Rosie-Faye Hart highlighted the vital role community fundraising plays in sustaining the charity’s work across Pembrokeshire, thanking groups such as the Round Table for their continued support.

The presentation was warmly received, with members showing strong interest in the Foundation’s work. At the end of the evening, Milford Haven Round Table made a donation of £250 to support the charity’s ongoing services.

The meeting has already led to further opportunities. Following the talk, Mandy Jones was invited by Adrian Cook, Engagement Officer at South Hook LNG, to deliver a session for staff as part of an upcoming wellbeing event.

The evening demonstrated how local organisations can work together to raise awareness, encourage important conversations, and support vital services within the community.

Groups interested in arranging a talk or supporting the charity can contact Rosie-Faye Hart on 07854 684171 or via email at [email protected]
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Community

Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations

Published

20 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi

BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”

The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.

The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.

The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.

Local Government

Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond

Published

35 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.

According to the latest update:

• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents

Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.