Six paid placements open across key departments

CEREDIGION County Council has announced the launch of a new Graduate Scheme aimed at giving recent university graduates a foothold in professional public service careers.

The initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offers six paid placements across a variety of departments, including Planning, Carbon Reduction, Engineering, Legal, Public Protection, and Youth Work.

Eifion Evans, Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council, said:
“We are excited to launch this scheme. It’s not only a great initiative to support our Corporate Wellbeing Objective of ‘Boosting the economy, supporting businesses and enabling employment,’ but also a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates to take their first step on the career ladder and access quality career opportunities in public service and beyond.”

Council Leader, Councillor Bryan Davies, added:
“This scheme represents a valuable investment in our county. It offers graduates the chance to pursue rewarding careers within the region and the communities where they were raised. We strongly encourage graduates to apply and look forward to building on this initiative in the years ahead.”

About the scheme

The scheme is open to applicants with relevant degrees, offering 12-month paid contracts. Graduate Trainees will earn while they learn, gaining tailored support and training to develop specialist skills and a strong foundation for future employment.

The six areas currently available are:

• Planning, Building Control & Development Management
• Carbon Reduction, Energy & Asset Management
• Engineering
• Legal
• Public Protection (Environmental Health or Trading Standards)
• Youth Work

How to apply

Applications are now open via the Ceredigion County Council careers website. An online information session will be held on Monday, 9 June, for interested candidates to learn more about the roles and working life at Team Ceredigion.

Hundreds of pupils gain future-ready skills through groundbreaking regional initiative

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is celebrating the success of a pioneering education project that is equipping hundreds of young people with vital engineering and digital skills—delivered entirely through the medium of Welsh.

Launched in 2020, the initiative was the first pilot funded under the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme. It is jointly led by Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Maes y Gwendraeth, in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and was developed to address a regional skills gap while creating clear pathways into high-demand careers.

Since its inception, 843 pupils have enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Around 40 per cent of those at Level 2 have progressed to more advanced study, with many students now continuing their education at college or university, or entering apprenticeships—demonstrating the programme’s long-term impact.

The collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David provides students with access to cutting-edge research and hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are well prepared for future employment or further study.

The Skills and Talent Programme is one of nine projects within the Swansea Bay City Deal and is overseen by the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership. The initiative focuses on five key sectors: construction, energy, digital, manufacturing, and health. To date, it has supported 23 pilot projects, developed four new apprenticeship pathways, and aims by 2030 to deliver:

• 14,000 individuals qualified to Level 2 and above,
• 3,000 apprenticeships,
• 2,200 individuals with enhanced skills,
• 20 new courses, and
• two Centres of Excellence.

Cllr Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:
“This programme shows what’s possible when we invest in young people through the Welsh language. Our schools are helping students develop real-world skills that are needed across Wales and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see the continued growth of this important work.”

Dr Llinos Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, added:
“The Skills and Talent Programme Awards have been a catalyst for transformative change, enabling our initiative to reach new heights. This funding has expanded access to vital learning resources and empowered learners with future-ready skills, supporting long-term regional growth.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Skills Partnership Manager, said:
“This project has given so many young people a head start in careers that are essential to our region. We’re proud to support it and hope even more students are inspired to follow the engineering and digital pathways.”

A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.