Education
Sodexo gives young people valuable experience

SEVEN young people from Pembrokeshire received a nationally-recognised qualification on July 18 as part of a new local initiative to improve employability. Sodexo, the world largest services company, partnered with the Pembrokeshire Youth department at Pembrokeshire County Council and 14 Signal Regiment at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, to offer ‘Delivering the difference for a better tomorrow’. Young people aged 16 to 21 who are not in education, employment or training took the three-week course at Cawdor Barracks, where Sodexo provides a range of facilities management services to the Ministry of Defence. Job interview skills and CV writing were taught on the programme, before participants undertook two weeks of work experience in various roles at the barracks with Sodexo, including catering, hospitality, retail and leisure. Successful participants were awarded accreditation from Agored Cymru in Skills Development. Karen Roulston, operations support manager at Sodexo Defence, said: “The programme is an excellent initiative that reflects Sodexo’s commitment to improving quality of life in the communities in which we operate. Sodexo provides a wide range of services to the Ministry of Defence, which puts us in an excellent position to offer valuable experience in a number of sectors, while supporting young people with mentoring and training. “We have received tremendous support from the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Purves, and the Quartermaster Major Burdge in allowing this programme to be hosted at Cawdor Barracks.” Heidi Holland, Targeted Youth Work co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “This innovative programme presents a unique opportunity to sample several areas of employment whilst developing skills, knowledge and confidence for young people in Pembrokeshire. To be able to work in collaboration with Sodexo and 14 Signal Regiment on-site at Cawdor Barracks to deliver this programme will ensure that the experience is realistic for young people and will encourage them to be aware and take advantage of the opportunities in Pembrokeshire with support from youth workers.” Councillor Sue Perkins, Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for Education and Safeguarding, said: “We are very heartened by the success of this initiative, and understand that as a result of it, three of the young people have already been offered employment which is fantastic news. “Youth workers at Pembrokeshire County Council have supported the young people through the application process and the programme, and they will continue to support them and access opportunities for the remainder of the group. “It is hoped that another similar programme will take place next year on a bigger scale.”
Education
Last chance to apply for fully funded green skills apprenticeship

Coleg Sir Gâr offers businesses the tools to meet sustainability targets
WELSH employers are being urged to act quickly to secure a place on a fully funded apprenticeship scheme designed to equip staff with the green skills needed to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and meet net zero targets.
Coleg Sir Gâr has issued a final call for applications to its Level 3 Energy and Carbon Management Apprenticeship, part of its Green Skills Academy. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, 20 June, with limited places available due to high demand from businesses across the region.
The 18-month, part-time course is suitable for new recruits and current staff, offering a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. Apprentices attend in-person training just two days per month, making it easy to fit around regular duties.
Open to anyone over 18 living in Wales who is employed and not enrolled in another funded full-time course, the programme is fully funded for eligible applicants.
Jemma Parsons, Head of the Green Skills Academy, said: “The level of interest we’ve seen shows that Welsh employers understand the need to upskill their teams in energy and carbon management. This apprenticeship provides a vital opportunity to future-proof organisations, reduce costs, and build meaningful sustainability credentials.”
Organisations already signed up include Carmarthenshire County Council, Axium Process Ltd, LBS Builders Merchants, and Barcud.
Rhodri Griffiths, Head of Place and Sustainability at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “We’re committed to tackling the climate emergency. This apprenticeship equips our employees with practical skills to reduce energy use and support our wider sustainability goals. It’s a key part of our response to climate change and helps us build a greener future for the county.”
The course strengthens participants’ ability to demonstrate environmental compliance, boost in-house expertise, and improve standing in procurement and supply chains. It forms part of Wales’ broader strategy to become a leader in energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
To register your interest or learn more, contact the Green Skills Academy at [email protected] or visit csgcc.ac.uk.
Education
New Carmarthenshire special school finally approved after fierce backlash

A LONG-DELAYED plan to build a new special school in Carmarthenshire has been approved, following a year of protests, public pressure, and political U-turns.
Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli, which serves children with additional learning needs, has long outgrown its current site. A new building was first promised in 2017 at the former Draka copperworks site. However, last year, Carmarthenshire County Council said rising construction costs meant it could no longer afford the project—sparking fury from parents and carers.
In September 2024, around 300 people gathered on the steps of County Hall in Carmarthen in protest, accusing the council of breaking its word. Campaigners said children in need were being let down and demanded that the local authority keep its promise.
This week, councillors voted unanimously to approve revised plans that would see a new special school built after all—though the exact design and size remain undecided.
Chair of governors Owen Jenkins, speaking after the decision, said: “It’s a relief after a year of torment. We’re grateful to the community for their support, and we’ll be keeping the pressure on to make sure the new school is delivered.”
The council had previously pulled out of the original scheme in May 2024 due to financial pressures. An independent review of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision across Carmarthenshire was then launched and reported back in February, setting out six possible options.
Two were formally presented on Monday by Cllr Glynog Davies, Plaid Cymru’s Cabinet Member for Education. Both involve building a new special school:
- One plan would see a smaller school for 150 pupils built at a cost of up to £35.4 million, alongside the creation of autism-specific units at local mainstream schools.
- The other would expand the original plans to accommodate 250 pupils, including those with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), at an estimated cost of up to £51.2 million.
Cllr Davies told the meeting that the “welfare of children is the obvious priority,” but added that any decision had to take into account the serious costs involved.
Although the story centres on Llanelli, the issues will be familiar to many in Pembrokeshire, where families with children who have additional needs often face long waits and limited local provision. Campaigners say the decision sends a clear message that specialist education must remain a priority, even during financial hardship.
Mr Jenkins said the school looked forward to a “positive dialogue” with the council in the months ahead.
Education
Ceredigion County Council launches new graduate scheme

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.
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