Don’t just take our word for it — hear directly from our trainee multi-skilled operatives
Read below to read Ellis’ and Jack’s experience on the Cymru Quarry Group
Jack Davies
What motivated you to apply for our training programme?
I wanted to work in an asphalt plant and learn more about how asphalt is made.
What skills or knowledge have you developed since starting your role?
I’ve learned how to operate the front-end loader and telehandler, how to navigate the weighbridge, and how to batch asphalt correctly.
What has been the highlight of your experience so far?
Working with a great team and being part of achieving record production levels.
How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
I see myself building my skills further and eventually running shifts on my own.
Which part of your role do you find the most rewarding?
Producing asphalt to spec and hearing positive feedback from customers.
What made you choose this industry or career path?
I’ve always been curious about asphalt and how it’s made.
Ellis Smith
What motivated you to apply for our training programme?
I was motivated by both my uncles being in the industry, so I wanted to try it for myself and see how I got on.
What skills or knowledge have you developed since starting your role?
I’ve learned how to operate a telehandler and a loading shovel, how to batch asphalt, and I’ve gained a much better understanding of what goes into producing asphalt.
What has been the highlight of your experience so far?
Learning how to batch asphalt, working with a great team, and being part of producing the figures we’ve achieved this year.
How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
Over the next five years, I’d like to work my way into a supervisory role or manage a team, like Lee and Ben at Swansea Bay.
Which part of your role do you find the most rewarding?
Speaking with customers and knowing they’re happy with the material we’re producing.
What made you choose this industry or career path?
My family works in the industry, so I already had some knowledge from them, which encouraged me to get involved too.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining our training programme?
I’d recommend it. It’s a really good apprenticeship, and one of the best parts is seeing customers happy with what they receive. It can be challenging when the plant breaks down, and you have to fix things, but it’s rewarding when everything is back up and running smoothly.