AN Aberporth woman has successfully completed an apprenticeship at the office of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Dafydd Llywelyn was the first Police and Crime Commissioner in Wales to employ apprentices, and two of the first apprentices have now successfully completed their courses and gained their qualifications.

The first apprentice post to be offered in his office was that of business support apprentice back in 2018, and 19 people applied for the position. But it was Anwen Howells who was successful in getting the post – and she still holds the post full-time.

Anwen was born and bred in Aberporth but now lives in Carmarthenshire. She completed A Levels at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, before moving into full time employment as an administrative assistant in a property development company in Llanelli, and later a letting agency in Lampeter.

Anwen said: “When I was fortunate enough to get offered the post at the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner my hope was to gain as much experience as possible to develop in to other roles later on in life.

“I’ve been able to gain valuable work-experience with a large organisation whilst also working towards two NVQ qualifications in business administration from Coleg Sir Gâr.

“I met with my tutor twice a month to go through progress in respect of my work in the office but also my academic modules. I found it helpful as it helped place theoretical and academic work in context.”

Hannah Williams, who currently works in the collaboration and efficiency team in the force as business support apprentice, has also successfully completed the business administration apprenticeship. Hannah had been to university and had a degree, so she completed the level 3 course.

Mr Llywelyn said: “These are two great examples of success stories in respect of taking on apprentices. I am passionate about upskilling local people, and ensuring they have the right skills to have fulfilled and successful careers without having to move away to a city to gain them.

“I was the first Police and Crime Commissioner in Wales to employ apprentices, so I’m really proud that the two original apprentices have now successfully completed their courses and have valuable qualifications under their belts for their future job prospects.

“Anwen and Hannah have both been an asset to my office and the force. It’s also really rewarding to know that they were both in paid employment whilst studying, and that they’re both still in full time posts – Anwen in my office, and Hannah over in Dyfed-Powys Police.”