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Education

4,000 attend SkillsCymru

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Learning how to lay bricks: Ella Haf Rees and Steffan Evans

YOUNG people from across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire were given a taste of different career options at SkillsCymru, a regional careers fair featuring more than 100 employers, which took place during Apprenticeship Week at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli last Thursday and Friday (Mar 9-10).

Organised by Careers Wales and Coleg Sir Gâr, and supported by the Welsh Government and European Social Fund, the event was designed to inspire and educate visitors about the variety of different careers and vocational routes available to them.

More than 4,000 young people attended the free event over the two days.

Members of the public also attended the event to find out more about their career options, vocational routes and apprenticeship courses with some of Wales’ biggest companies such as Welsh Water, Principality and Bluestone Leisure Resorts.

Visitors were able to try their hand at virtual welding, creating short animations and driving a tractor using the Welsh Government’s state-of-the-art ‘have a go’ equipment, designed to increased participation in vocational pathways.

Attendees also tested their vocational skills by taking part in a range of interactive activities offered by employers who attended the event, from giving manicures and styling hair to laying bricks and making exotic mocktails.

Ffion Anderson, 15, from Maes y Gwendraeth School, said: “I really enjoyed visiting the science stands such as the NHS Wales and Cardiff University Medical School because I’d really like to become a surgeon or a cardiologist when I’m older.

“It was great seeing the ultrasound equipment on the NHS stand, the pictures you can get are so clear it’s amazing, it was so fascinating and made me realise I definitely want to go into the medical profession.

“I’m hoping to get into a Welsh university and study part of the course in the Welsh language, so it was useful to be able to talk to some people from the NHS about the sort of grades I’ll need and extra activities that might help my application to medical school.”

Steffan Evans, 14, from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, said: “Coming along to Skills Cymru Carmarthenshire was a real eye opener for me as there were so many different things to see and do.

“I’d really like to become a geography teacher at a secondary school when I’m older, as I really love the subject and I’ve been really inspired by my own geography teacher, Mrs Campbell.

“Even though I’ve got a clear idea of what I want to do, it’s good to see how many different jobs there are available.”

Minister for Skills and Science Julie James attended the event, talking to employers and apprentices about the career options they were there to promote, and taking part in some of the ‘have a go’ activities.

She said: “It was inspiring to see so many young people from across Carmarthenshire thinking about their futures and talking to some of the biggest employers in the country.

“Those faced with choosing their next steps, whether it’s going to college, university or straight into the world of work, have big decisions to make and careers events like this help them to decide their future.

“Seeing some of Wales’ biggest employers attend the event demonstrates their commitment to investing in the future of Wales’s workforce, helping inspire the next generation to think about all pathways, including vocational routes into work.”

Richard Spear, chief executive of Careers Wales, added: “Organising events like these is key to helping young people learn more about the many different jobs and careers they could pursue.

“We often work with young people who are unsure about their next steps, not knowing what sector to go into. It’s our job to help them recognise what their skills are most suited towards and match their talents to a career.

“Careers events like SkillsCymru are a great opportunity to have an open and honest discussion with a huge variety of employers all in one place about what sort of qualifications and skills they look for, as well as asking apprentices about their course and experiences.”

Education

Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

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A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.

Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.

He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.

However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.

School attack in Ammanford

Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Estyn chief inspector Owen Evans (Image: BBC)

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.

“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.

“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.

While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.

Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.

Union backs tough action

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.

He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.

“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.

“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”

He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.

“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”

Rising behavioural issues

Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.

Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”

He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.

“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.

Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.

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Education

Exciting apprenticeship opportunities at Port of Milford Haven

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FOR those looking to kickstart a career in Pembrokeshire, apprenticeships at the Port of Milford Haven offer an exciting and practical route into the workforce.

As the UK’s leading energy port and a key economic hub, the Port plays a vital role in connecting southwest Wales to global trade routes. Through its apprenticeship programmes, it is providing valuable opportunities for young people and career changers to gain hands-on experience while earning industry-recognised qualifications.

Building careers through apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at the Port span a range of departments, allowing individuals to gain skills in areas such as IT, engineering, and port operations. These roles provide a practical learning experience, equipping apprentices with the expertise needed to thrive in their chosen careers.

One such success story is Craig Davies, who joined the Port’s IT department as an apprentice in 2021 after completing a Level 3 IT Practitioner course at Pembrokeshire College.

“Starting the apprenticeship was a big step, but an exciting one,” Craig recalled. “It gave me real-world responsibility while still allowing me to learn on the job. The experience of earning and learning at the same time was invaluable.”

Hands-on experience and career progression

During his two-year apprenticeship, Craig gained extensive experience working in the Port’s Digital Solutions and Delivery department. He attended training courses, networked with professionals, and even had the opportunity to travel for work-related learning.

“Being in a real working environment helped me build connections and develop my skills far beyond what I could learn in a classroom,” he said. “One of the best parts was the variety—one day I’d be in the office, and the next I’d be working at the Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal or out on a jetty.”

Beyond professional development, Craig also valued the social aspects of his apprenticeship. “The Port really invests in team building, which made the experience even better. We even did an escape room once—it was a great way to get to know people.”

A bright future in Pembrokeshire

After completing his apprenticeship in 2023, Craig was offered a full-time position as a Junior Systems Administrator at the Port.

“If you’re someone who learns best by doing, rather than sitting in a classroom, an apprenticeship is definitely the way to go,” he said. “It prepares you for real work in a way that studying alone never could.”

As for his future, Craig is happy to be building his career in Pembrokeshire. “I never wanted to move away for university, so finding a great career opportunity here was perfect. Pembrokeshire is a fantastic place to live and work—I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

For those interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities at the Port of Milford Haven, more information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

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Education

Growing demand for mental health support among Pembrokeshire pupils

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NEW figures have revealed the number of Pembrokeshire schoolchildren referred to mental health services over the past three years.

Pembrokeshire County Council data has confirmed that 43 primary school pupils received support from school-based counsellors between 2021 and 2024. The number of referrals varied each year, with 17 recorded in 2021/22, rising to 18 in 2022/23 before dropping to 8 in 2023/24.

Meanwhile, demand for mental health support among secondary school students was significantly higher, with 2,167 pupils receiving counselling over the same period. The number of secondary school referrals peaked at 740 in 2022/23 before decreasing slightly to 704 in the most recent academic year.

School counsellors also made more than 100 referrals to external services such as CAMHS, the Disordered Eating Service, MIND, Sandy Bear, and the ASD Service.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council acknowledged the growing concern over children’s mental health, citing factors such as family financial pressures, social media use, and the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education and social development.

“Children’s emotional and mental well-being is a national and international issue, and Pembrokeshire is no exception,” the spokesperson said. “School counselling is a statutory function funded by the Welsh Government, and we also work with the Health Board to provide additional emotional health support.”

The council has allocated nearly £200,000 to school-based mental health services over the past three years, with spending rising from £43,670 in 2021/22 to £81,209 in 2022/23, before reducing to £74,802 in 2023/24.

Pembrokeshire’s ten secondary schools, including specialist provision centres, each have a dedicated counsellor, while primary school pupils in Years 5 and 6 can access support from three travelling counsellors who work across different schools.

As part of its efforts to address mental health challenges, the council has also introduced a mobile phone ban in all secondary schools, aiming to reduce social media pressures on students.

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