A FLINTSHIRE playgroup has benefited from the hard work of local apprentices.

Holywell Playgroup are a local charity providing daily childcare during term time for two to four-year-olds. After contacting Westbridge, their apprentice upholsterers studying at Coleg Cambria made and donated a two-seater sofa for the playgroup.

Joanne Davies, Holywell playgroup manager, said: “We would like to thank Westbridge for their kind donation to us. All the children love the sofa and it has fitted into our room well.”

The six apprentices, based with the furniture-building company, spend up to eight weeks at Cambria’s Deeside site as part of the traineeship scheme, where they are taught basic employability skills such as time-keeping, teamwork and health and safety.

From here, they will spend four weeks with Westbridge as an active member of the production team, gaining first-hand experience of the sector and company values, after which, if successful, they will be invited to begin the two-year apprenticeship programme.

Nicola Gaughran, Operations Manager for Traineeships at Coleg Cambria, said the project has been a resounding success.

She said: “To be able to run this programme with such a reputable, growing company is fantastic for the learners, it’s a win-win situation.

“The vast majority of those who joined the scheme recognised what an incredible opportunity this is, and the apprenticeship scheme pays way above minimum wage.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with Westbridge Furniture, and to be able to give young people in the region this opportunity.”

Westbridge Furniture operates out of three UK production sites, including Deeside and Holywell.

For more on the range of traineeships, apprenticeships and courses at Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk or email traineeships@cambria.ac.uk.