Neath College was alive with excitement as apprentices, employers, families, and training providers from across Wales gathered for the Skills Academy Wales (SAW) Apprenticeship Awards—a sparkling evening dedicated to recognising outstanding achievement and ambition.
The celebration marked the launch of Apprenticeship Week, running from February 9 to 13, a national spotlight on the transformative impact apprenticeships have on individuals, communities, and the Welsh economy.
Founded in 2009, SAW has grown into one of Wales’ leading Work-Based Learning partnerships. Led by NPTC Group of Colleges and supported by 14 independent training providers, the partnership delivers high-quality, flexible programmes designed to support young people, jobseekers, and those already in employment to develop new skills and progress in their careers.
The awards evening brought together a wide range of guests, including apprentices, employers, parents, and dignitaries such as Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, and Jeremy Miles, MS for Neath. It was a chance to shine a light on the exceptional dedication learners have shown throughout their apprenticeship journeys—and the remarkable progress they’ve made along the way.
A diverse mix of award categories reflected the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities available across Wales. Winners represented fields as varied as aeronautical engineering, dental nursing, business administration, accountancy, barbering, and even train driving—showcasing the depth of talent being nurtured across the nation.
Speaking at the event, Mr Sargeant emphasised the importance of celebrating apprentices and the vital role they play in Wales’ future:
“Apprenticeships are vital to the Welsh economy. I know just how important it is to celebrate them because I was one. I understand the hard work that everyone puts into this, not just the learner, but the training provider and the employer. To come together to celebrate and promote apprenticeships, and to inspire others to consider them, is a great thing to do. Congratulations to everyone.”
The evening was not only a celebration of achievement, but a powerful reminder of the life-changing opportunities apprenticeships create—and the bright futures being built across Wales.
