Welsh Companies Graduate First Management Apprentices

Two Welsh companies just celebrated a milestone that's reshaping how they build their future workforce.

Tradebe Newport, which processes and recycles industrial waste, and Wynnstay, an agricultural services company, each graduated their first employees from management apprenticeships with Cambrian Training Company. The five graduates joined over 100 others at a ceremony held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Rhys Phillips and Emyr Bassett work at Tradebe's treatment and transfer station in Newport, where the company plays a vital role in the circular economy by safely processing industrial waste. More than 50 Tradebe colleagues across the UK have participated in apprenticeships over recent years, making professional development a core part of company culture.

Sam Dawes, Tradebe's talent development manager, explained how the program brings fresh perspectives into the business. Apprentices learn by doing real work while earning formal qualifications, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to advance.

Bethan Harris, Jessica Davies, and Ffion Dart made history at Wynnstay, completing their apprenticeships while working in busy agricultural stores. Jessica works at the company's Pensarn store in Carmarthen, while Bethan continues part-time at the Cross Hands location.

Completing the program wasn't easy. Jane Gammon from Cambrian Training Company praised the Wynnstay graduates for staying committed despite hectic store schedules and even major floods that disrupted their work.

The Ripple Effect

These graduations mark just the beginning. Wynnstay plans to expand apprenticeships across finance, business support, engineering, and manufacturing as part of Strategy Genesis, their long-term plan for sustainable growth.

Two more Wynnstay employees are already working toward their apprenticeships. The company sees these programs as essential for addressing skills gaps while helping employees build careers with recognized qualifications and hands-on experience.

Lowri Jones, Wynnstay's recruitment and training officer, emphasized how apprenticeships strengthen both individual careers and the broader agricultural sector. Workers gain valuable skills while companies develop the exact capabilities they need for future success.

Donna Heath, who leads leadership and management programs at Cambrian Training, celebrated the graduates' resilience in fast-paced operational environments. She's proud to support employers who invest in their people's growth.

These five graduates prove that combining work with learning creates opportunity for everyone involved.