Fantastic to be able to welcome Sarah Atherton MP to our Head Office in Llay this week, where we were able to give her an overview of the extensive programme of commercial training opportunities we provide for individuals and organistaions across the whole of North Wales.
Sarah was particularly keen to learn more about the work Gatewen has been doing with 2 FE colleges over the past couple of years on a Welsh Government funded initiative aimed at training the next generation of HGV drivers. She took the opportunity to chat with former Gatewen trainee Seren Jones, a 21 year-old single mum from Coedpoeth, who was part of the HGV driver training initiative, and who has now become part of the 3% of female registered HGV drivers. Sarah heard more about Seren’s journey to qualifying and was thrilled to learn that Seren has subsequently taken up a driving role at Dromgoole & Sons and is now working towards building a new career in what for many years has been traditionally a male-dominated industry.
During the visit, we were also able to discuss with Sarah how Gatewen are gearing up to be at the forefront of supporting skills development in the region with a particular focus on projects such as the North Wales Growth Deal and the freeport in Holyhead.