Staff Testimonials
Here’s what our staff have to say
Apprenticeship Scheme Overview
Staff Testimonials and their Apprenticeship Journeys:
Ffion Burridge – Civil Engineering Apprentice
“During my civil engineering apprenticeship, I have gained valuable hands-on experience that has allowed me to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world projects. I have been involved in tasks such as surveying, site inspections, preparing technical drawings, and assisting with project management. Working alongside experienced engineers has helped me develop practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of construction processes and safety regulations. This apprenticeship has not only strengthened my technical knowledge but also improved my teamwork, communication, and organisational skills, preparing me for a successful career in civil engineering.
I liked being able to see how things I had studied in theory actually came to life on-site, and I found it exciting to face new challenges and solve problems as part of a team. The apprenticeship not only helped me grow in confidence but also confirmed my passion for civil engineering and made me even more motivated to pursue it as a career.
My apprenticeship played a vital role in helping me become the civil engineering technician I am today. It gave me the opportunity to build a solid foundation of technical knowledge.”
Aminah Ali – Carbon and Energy Apprentice
“I first started at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in 2021 as a Carbon and Energy Apprentice. Alongside my apprenticeship I completed my Level 4 HNC in Building Services Engineering and a Level 3 qualification in Energy and Carbon Management. I really enjoyed my apprenticeship as I was learning new skills in a brand-new field of work as I had previously worked in retail. I was supported by my manager and colleagues as well as the Learning and Development Team. I developed skills such as my confidence by having to deal with suppliers and through giving presentations during the apprentice development days that were organised for us. I learnt new skills in energy management and how we as a council not only monitor our energy data but the ways in which we are actively trying to reduce our carbon emissions through means of behaviour change and energy reduction projects.
I completed my apprenticeship in 2024, obtaining both my HNC and Level 3 qualifications. An opportunity came up within my team to progress into a new role as Mechanical Compliance Officer. This role goes great with my HNC qualification, and I can apply what I have learnt in my day-to-day role. I am currently studying to complete my degree in Building Services Engineering. I’d like to thank the Property Services Team and the Learning and Development Team for supporting me along my apprenticeship journey and giving me the opportunity to pursue a lifelong career!”
Aled Williams – Building Control Apprentice
“When I started my apprenticeship in September 2021 with Merthyr Council I enrolled onto a Level 3 course in Construction and the Built Environment where I studied at Neath Port Talbot College. I really enjoyed the course which studied all different aspects of construction along with some civil engineering. I learnt many skills during my time as an apprentice such as building my knowledge of the construction industry, communicating with professionals in person, over email and on the phone, studying with assignments and attending large scale projects. Studying while learning on the job benefitted me to progress further in building control.
The opportunities the apprenticeship has given me has enabled me to become an Assistant Building Control Officer and progress onto the next steps which was a Level 4 course in Building Control Surveying. The completion of my Level 5 in the summer of 2025 has now allowed me to start my degree in Building Control Surveying at Wolverhampton University. I am working towards achieving a higher competency classification to become a Building Control Officer while studying my degree.
The apprenticeship scheme with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has given me the opportunity to work while learning and I would recommend it to anyone who’s interested."
Adam Davies- Highways and Maintenance Apprenticeship
“I was working on site in Ross on Wye before my apprenticeship and I really wanted a change. I applied for the interview that I saw advertised online for the Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship. I went for an interview with a panel and found out that I got the apprenticeship. I was really happy and couldn’t wait to get started.
The apprenticeship is going really well; I have really enjoyed it. I have learned a lot of new skills and have gained confidence while doing it. I have completed jobs such as, road narrowing, speed bumps, pavements, kerbs, potholes, renewing tarmac and sidewalks. It was really worthwhile because I gained so many new skills and experiences and if I wasn’t offered a job here, I could have applied elsewhere.
I attended different training courses and I attend college once a week. The new skills I have gained and developed are so useful and I am now confident completing them on my own. The team that I work with are supportive and friendly. I have learnt how to work as part of a team and how to work independently with confidence.
I have now secured a job with MTCBC. I am continuing to do my level 3 and I’m hoping to complete it next year alongside the grade 3 job. This was my goal after my apprenticeship so I am over the moon to have secured a job before it has finished.”