Aspire Apprenticeship Programme Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Futures in Blaenau Gwent

Aspire, Blaenau Gwent Council’s shared apprenticeship programme, is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of supporting young people into meaningful careers. The milestone was celebrated at a special event at the General Offices, Ebbw Vale, on Thursday 18th September 2025, bringing together representatives from the Council, Welsh Government, local businesses, and apprentices themselves.

Established in 2015 following research by the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone Board, Aspire was created to address a skills gap in technical professions at Level 3 and above across Blaenau Gwent. The programme is the result of a prestigious partnership between Welsh Government, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, and Coleg y Cymoedd, delivered through the Skills Academy Wales work-based learning contract and funded by Medr.

Over the past decade, Aspire has supported over 200 apprentices, with more than 90% securing permanent employment with their host organisations and many progressing to higher education. Apprentices have benefited from placements across a wide range of sectors, including engineering, applied science, IT, business administration, finance, and more.

Andrew Price, Head of School: Work-Based Learning at Coleg y Cymoedd, said:

"The Aspire shared apprenticeship programme is a true example of working in partnership, bringing together employers, training providers, the Welsh Government and learners, in a way that not only supports individual success but also strengthens the local workforce and economy."

"The Aspire programme is not just about building futures, it is about strengthening the communities and unlocking potential." Andrew added.