A WREXHAM man is encouraging pupils from his former secondary school to consider apprenticeships as a route into a successful career.

Ahead of Apprenticeship Week Wales 2019, Daren Chesworth, 30, from Garden Village has returned to his former secondary school, Darland High School, to talk to current students about his successful experience as an apprentice.

After leaving school, Daren found himself working on the factory floor of TC Transcontinental, an international product engineering and manufacturing company.

After deciding he wanted to forge an engineering career for himself, Daren knew he needed qualifications and stronger work experience.

With a young family of his own to support, the opportunity through an apprenticeship to earn a wage while gaining skills and a qualification was appealing.

Daren took the bold move and approached his employer about the possibility of undertaking an apprenticeship in engineering.

Nine years later, he is still paving the way for apprentices at the company.

Since winning Higher Apprentice of the Year 2018 at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, and beginning his PhD studies, Daren hopes his experience will show pupils at Darland High School that apprenticeships can be key to a successful career.

Daren said: “While gaining hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical engineering, I’ve been able to rise through the academic ranks.

“I’ve now completed my degree in electronic engineering, and I’m about to start my PhD in maintenance strategy.

“Before my apprenticeship, I didn’t even consider engineering as a career, but being able to earn while learning was the ideal route to fast track my career and continue to support my family.”

“Going back to my old school, I want to show pupils that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for an opportunity.

“In the local area we need to remind young people that they can raise their aspirations by learning vital skills, and set themselves apart from others.

“ I genuinely think an apprenticeship is vital for that; it provides that step up.

“It was up to me to take the lead on my apprenticeship, and I didn’t start mine until I was 21.

“If I’d started at 16 or 18, I would be even further ahead. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Dr Keith Vidamour, engineering manager at the engineering firm, said: “Daren started with us nine years ago on the shop floor, and since then he’s set an incredibly high standard for others to follow.

“For us, having apprentices means we get to teach and inspire the next generation, training them for the specific roles we need.

“Since taking on Daren as an apprentice, we’ve discovered the benefits apprenticeships can bring and now see apprentices as key in our strategy going forward.”

The Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates said: “Daren is a perfect example of someone who has used an apprenticeship to gain the skills they need to get ahead in life. In visiting his former school, Daren is giving the apprentices of the future the knowledge and encouragement to ensure they make an informed decision when thinking about their career paths.

“Apprenticeship Week Wales is the perfect opportunity to celebrate vocational training and the huge number of people currently benefitting from apprenticeships.

“Although we celebrate Apprenticeship Week Wales every spring, the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme runs throughout the year to highlight the opportunities and support available for both apprentices and the employers who take them on.”