Linc Cymru and Y Prentis Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Linc Cymru (Linc), looks to use its developments to generate a variety of benefits for local communities, from job opportunities to school initiatives and environmental projects.  

This desire has seen Linc’s community regeneration team focus on building partnerships with charitable organisations that work in the areas where Linc is building new homes. 

More recently, Linc’s commitment to supporting local people has seen them partner with Y Prentis, a construction based shared apprenticeship scheme operating across South East Wales.  

Funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Welsh Government, Y Prentis employs apprentices across many construction trades to meet the needs of today’s construction industry. 

To strengthen their shared commitment to supporting local people to reach their goals and secure training and employment, Linc and Y Prentis have signed a memorandum of understanding.  

Natalie Hawkins, Community Regeneration Manager at Linc said:  

“At Linc everything we do is guided by our respect for the people we work with, and the customers and communities we work for.  

“We recognise that our role as a housing provider and developer gives us a privileged position in which to support our local communities, through opportunities such as onsite construction trade apprenticeships.  

“By signing a memorandum of understanding with Y Prentis, we can ensure that our developments bring added value to local people. The team at Y Prentis are experts in working with organisations like Linc, connecting their onsite opportunities with the very people who need to access them. We look forward to strengthening our partnership to create great outcomes.” 

When someone trains in a construction trade, they need to gain experience while they work towards City & Guilds Level 3 in their chosen trade. This is often in the form of an apprenticeship.  

While some apprentices may work for one company for the duration of their apprenticeship, others may work on a number of development sites.  

This is where Y Prentis come in, they facilitate access to opportunities as well as providing support along the way.  

Darryl Williams, Programme Manager at Y Prentis, explains:  

“Y Prentis was established in 2012 to create more opportunities to meet the increasing demand for local jobs. As a shared apprentice scheme, we establish what training opportunities are available across developments in South Wales and match them up with apprentices. This helps meet the needs and challenges of today’s construction industry and supports the increasing demand for skilled labour. 

“We support the apprentices throughout their journey, supply them with their PPE, and help them to get their CSCS card. We support the host contractor too; this ensures the apprentice, and their onsite mentor, can enjoy a successful and meaningful apprenticeship.   

“In 2020-21, we had 22 apprentices graduate from Y Prentis, and we are delighted that they have all entered employment with one of their host contractors. Our partnership with Linc will help us provide these opportunities to more local people looking to start or change career and join the construction industry.” 

Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding, Linc and Y Prentis have set up their first apprenticeship at Pentwyn Drive, in Cardiff. Supported by contractor Willis Construction, the apprentice will start onsite later this month.