S4C

S4C’s story

Welsh broadcaster, S4C has invested in apprenticeships as part of its commitment to training and developing skills locally protecting the future of the business.

Since relocating its headquarters to Canolfan S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen, the company has hired three more apprentices.
S4C Chief Executive Owen Evans said apprentices will allow the company to plug the skills gap within the creative and media industry, not only directly in the area, but in Wales as a whole.

He said: “We wanted to find a way to bring new talent, new ideas and relevant skills into the business. Recruiting apprentices was the obvious choice, because we wanted to target the knowledgeable individuals in the area that want to start their career in the industry and would normally have to move to Cardiff or even further afield.”

Benefitting from fresh ideas and new skills

The Carmarthen site houses the channel’s corporate, communications, finance, human resources, business affairs and legal departments. The company currently employs 110 staff split between Carmarthen, Cardiff and Caernarfon.

Owen continued: “We decided to recruit apprentices into three specific roles; finance, social media and business affairs as we felt that these specialisms would benefit the most from fresh ideas and new skills.

“Even in the very short time that we’ve had our apprentices on board, they’ve made a huge impact on the business, helping to create capacity in the team and bringing creative solutions to the table.

“We’re also lucky here that we’re able to run our apprenticeships through the medium of Welsh. By developing individuals through the medium of Welsh, we’re investing in the future of the content we are producing on the channel, S4C as a business and the industry as a whole.”

Following in his father’s footsteps

Joseph Hughes, 18 from Neath is a Level 2 Finance apprentice. He said: “When I left school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had an interest in the financial industry, as my dad is a Financial Controller and I’ve always been inspired by what he does. When I saw the apprenticeship at S4C, I jumped at the chance.”

“Since starting my apprenticeship at S4C, I’ve gained so much experience. I support the team on invoicing, credit checks, processing payments and processing business expenses. I’m enjoying every second, and now I know that this is the career route for me.”