RDM Electrical and Mechanical Services helped welcome thousands of young people to Wales’ largest careers, jobs and skills event last week in a bid to help support the future of engineering in the country.
The Swansea-based company joined many other firms and educational bodies at SkillsCymru, which took place at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on 11-12 October.
One of RDM’s own apprentices, Shaun Brigdale, and senior building services design engineers, Chris Jenkins, spoke with young people, school leavers and their families at the event, about the many opportunities that exist in the engineering and building services sector in Wales.
With numerous apprentices starting with RDM year-on-year and going on to secure fulfilling careers in the industry, Shaun and Chris gave first-hand accounts of what it is like to succeed in engineering thanks to companies like RDM.
RDM’s director and co-owner, Dave Kieft, is a strong supporter of apprenticeships and has previously urged the Welsh government to give more financial support to companies in the engineering sector in order to enable apprentices to complete their training and lead the future of the building services industry in Wales.
Kieft, who started his career as an electrical engineer, is passionate about showcasing the building services sector as an important career path in Wales through events like SkillsCymru. He promotes the importance of skills and training, and ensuring that routes into a building services engineering career remain open and viable for apprentices.
Mr Kieft said: “SkillsCymru is a fantastic event and we are pleased to be a part of it this year. We wanted to ensure visitors were able to speak to Shaun and Chris, who can talk about what working in the industry is really like. Many young people think university or starting work are the only options upon leaving school, but apprenticeships can offer so much more when it comes to starting a career.
“More quality apprentices and skilled engineers can be created in Wales if we continue to raise our profile about the numerous benefits that a career in engineering can bring. Doing an apprenticeship and securing a well-paid career with longevity is worthwhile pursuing and we hope this message was conveyed through our presence at SkillsCymru.”
