SKILLS ACADEMY WALES WINNERS

After recent success at the Powys Business Awards, EOM have once again been recognised, this time at the Skills Academy Wales Awards, receiving Employer of the Year whilst apprentice Johnathan Reynolds received Foundation Apprentice of the Year. 

The award ceremony took place on 7th November 2023, at the Skills Academy Wales Neath Port Talbot Campus. Each year, the event serves as a platform to honour and showcase exceptional individuals and businesses from across Wales.

The awards are dedicated to celebrating the fantastic achievements of those engaged in Skills Academy Wales’s work-based learning programmes throughout 2022/2023.

EOM have worked with Pathways Training at the Newtown College Campus for the delivery of their apprenticeship programmes for the last 8 years and had worked with Coleg Powys for several years prior, before the NPTC Group merger.  

EOM is committed to the development of young people through the apprentice route. The business currently has five apprentices within the electrical, plumbing and carpentry trades.  Each apprentice receives a £100 toolkit on joining the company, in addition to subsidised safety footwear and work wear.  The business prides itself on paying above the minimum wage and supports the apprentices in terms of providing workplace mentors.  

In an area with a relatively small pool of available potential employees and a national shortage of skilled tradespeople, EOM recognises that to achieve its business objectives it must grow, develop and retain its staff which are the company’s most important asset, EOM also provide opportunities for existing staff to increase their skills, they have a qualified carpenter training as an Electrician.  

Their aspirations of securing a highly skilled workforce in the future has prompted EOM to form partnerships with three local schools to provide work-experience opportunities for school pupils.  This will hopefully enthuse young individuals to work within the sector and become future apprentices of the company in the coming years.    

EOM Manager, Mike Mills said “I am delighted that EOM are being recognised for their commitment and success as a result of engaging in the apprenticeship programmes and look forward to continuing to support the company with the delivery of qualifications for future apprentices.”

Johnathan Reynolds joined the Plumbing Apprenticeship programme as a mature learner after leaving the Police force.  He worked hard throughout his training and was disappointed with himself when he did not achieve 100% on his exams.  Jon was extremely diligent, always willing to help the younger students in his peer group and was a pleasure to be around.

Jon truly deserves to be recognised for the Foundation Apprentice of the Year Award as apprenticeships are not only for the school leavers but for any age group and for any point in your career lifetime.

“We wish Jon every success in his career as a Plumber with EOM.”

07.11.23 – NPTC Skills Academy Wales Awards – Jon and Mike with their awards