36 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February/March 2025 Special Focus Skills & Training Joloda Hydraroll is offering three apprenticeship opportunities to young people in Anglesey, in partnership with Coleg Menai. The company is committed to investing in the future of engineering talent in the area, with its major manufacturing facility located on the Welsh Isle. As a leader in designing and manufacturing both automated and manual loading and unloading solutions, Joloda Hydraroll helps improve freight movement efficiency. The Anglesey site serves as a global hub for welding, fabrication, and painting, and is also the UK base for modifying HGV trailers for the home market. In conjunction with local college Gr?p Llandrillo Menai, Joloda Hydraroll has run an apprenticeship programme for young people interested in a career in engineering at the manufacturing facility for more than 10 years. This year marks the company’s biggest intake yet, with three apprenticeships available to young people on the island. The programme has supported an increasing number of apprentices in Anglesey, many of whom continue to work with Joloda Hydraroll today. One such success story is Cian Taylor, who is six months into completing his Degree Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering Systems with support from Joloda Hydraroll. The Degree Apprenticeship is a combination of work and study towards a Bachelor’s degree. Cian started his journey as an engineering apprentice at Joloda Hydraroll in 2020 as a fitter, which he completed in 2022. From there, Cian progressed to his HNC award, which he passed in 2024 with distinction. This led to the opportunity to pursue a higher education qualification. Completing the HND award will not only enhance Cian’s practical skills and theoretical knowledge but open up new opportunities for him to pursue a managerial position within Joloda Hydraroll. Cian is motivated by aspirations to travel to other global offices of the brand. However, his interest in engineering wasn’t piqued until he was able to explore it as one of his options at college. Reflecting on his journey into engineering, Cian said: “When looking at the list of subjects I could choose from at the age of 14 or 15, engineering was the only one that really stood out to me. I also liked the idea of being able to earn while still learning and going to college one afternoon a week. However, it wasn’t until I started my apprenticeship and gained the practical experience that I knew how much I enjoyed it.” Cian says it is important to introduce young people to a range of career paths and provide them with the freedom to explore their interests early on. Apprenticeships are also an alternative to traditional education paths that are more inclusive of different learning styles. “I have grown up a lot since taking on my apprenticeship. I didn’t always feel motivated while at school, but securing my apprenticeship gave me a lot of drive to make the most of this opportunity,” he explained. “I’m a kinesthetic learner, so being able to gain practical skills in the workplace was a perfect option for me, where I felt able to reach my full potential. Balancing work and study is never easy, but I have proven to myself that I can Apprenticeship programme opens engineering opportunities for young people in Anglesey Joloda Hydraroll, in partnership with Coleg Menai, is offering three apprenticeship opportunities to young people in Anglesey. The programme provides valuable work experience in engineering, helping to develop local talent while supporting career growth at the company’s leading manufacturing facility, renowned for its expertise in freight solutions. PWE reports.
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