Learners contest Skills Olympics with leading names in Welsh business and industry

A PROMINENT industrial supplier unveiled plans for post-pandemic growth at a popular Skills Olympics.

Organised by GE Tools in partnership with Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, more than 60 students competed in myriad disciplines including Vehicle Body Repair (VBR), Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Services and Repair, and Carpentry.

The event was a huge success and welcomed leading names in the trade, engineering, construction, automotive, employment and training sectors for community activities and demonstrations; RWE Renewables, Read Construction, North Wales Police, Creating Enterprise, Makita, Job Centre Plus, Draper, Globus, Rockfall, Stahlwille, Gedore, the Armed Forces, Woody’s Lodge and the CITB were among those in attendance.

Celebrating 34 years in business, Deeside and Rhyl-based GE Tools had a strong start to 2022, welcoming three new members of staff ahead of further recruitment this summer.

One of the largest independent distributors of tools, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), hygiene products and personalised workwear in the region, they plan to continue supporting events that inspire the next generation of trades and thanked everyone for their contribution to the day.

Managing Director Chris Owen said: “The learners were fantastic and showed a great level of skill and ability.

“The feedback was very positive, it was great to have so many businesses and organisations from different industries, demonstrating the career opportunities out there for the students.

“We thank them for their support and the college for its commitment to the next generation of workers in this arena. The talent on show gives us confidence that the future of the trade sector is in safe hands.”

He added: “GE Tools is all about giving back, to our customers, partners, and the community, so we will continue to help organise events like this, providing a platform for young men and women to shine in their chosen fields.

“As a business we have taken on three new staff and will look to recruit another four in the next year at Deeside and Rhyl, which demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality employment opportunities in North Wales.”

“We’re also delighted to announce GE Tools is now an accredited Living Wage Employer, which means every member of our team will earn a real Living Wage from day one.”

The Skills Olympics were hosted by Coleg Llandrillo’s Cefndy Road campus, which includes the multi-million pound Centre for Automotive Technology and a dedicated sixth form hub.

Salah Berdouk, Assistant Principal for Computing and Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, congratulated the medallists and those taking part on the day.

“Our learners rose to the challenge and gave their very best to put into practice everything they have learnt this year,” he said.

“This time, not only Engineering and Construction took part but other areas of the campus including students in Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care and Public Services. 

“The learners were so pleased and felt empowered they can achieve anything they want if they work at it. The generous prizes from partners like GE Tools and Howdens made all the difference.”

Salah added: “This was the perfect example of industry doing everything it can to inspire young people from Rhyl and Denbighshire.

“The event was made even more beneficial to the community as so many companies and organisations were there, and local school pupils – well done, everyone.”

For more information on GE Tools, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact [email protected].

Alternatively, call 01244 836968 and follow them on social media at @getools.

NOTES:

Visit www.gllm.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

More information on the Living Wage can be found by visiting www.livingwage.wales.