A partially sighted waste management apprentice wants other people with disabilities to not let it stop them getting a career.
Andrew Bennett, 51, from Kinmel Bay is blind in one eye and has dyslexia.
But he found a new start at Bryson Recycling in Abergele after completing his community service on the site.
Now he is studying towards his Level 4 qualification as part of his apprenticeship.
He is being celebrated to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the Welsh Government’s Disability Action Plan for Apprenticeships.
Andrew said: “When I first started, I was worried that my eyesight would be a barrier working in a complex environment, but it hasn’t been an issue.
“I’m also dyslexic, which makes it hard to process long-form written documents with heavy information.”
Andrew received the support required when reading through administrative documents and is given extra time to complete the written elements of his apprenticeship studies.
Most Read
He added: “Day to day, my role is really varied, and no two days are the same. I find that I prefer learning on the job as it suits my personality, and I like the hands-on elements of training on-site.
“The work is challenging, but always interesting. For others who are considering the different routes into work, my advice would be to consider apprenticeships.”
Sign up to the BusinessLive Wales newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn
As well as an in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. To sign up to this service
And, follow us on to catch the latest stories and to network with the Welsh business community.
Dan McCabe, site supervisor at Bryson Recycling, said: “Andrew’s disabilities have not been a problem in the workplace. He’s overcome any barriers to learning that may have been in his way to become a curtail and trustworthy, member of the team.”
Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Andrew is an excellent example of someone who has really benefitted from an apprenticeship to gain the skills needed to get ahead in life.
"I’d urge anyone who is thinking about their next steps to consider an apprenticeship as a serious option."
For more call 0800 028 4844. For employers, search Skills Gateway for Business.