A chat with Ifan Thomas
Apprentice of the month, May 2023
Ifan was raised in Pontyberem, went to Ysgol GynraddPontyberem and then onto Ysgol Gyfun Maes y Gwendraeth. He was nominated as the ‘Apprentice of the Month’ this month for including everyone in forums and activities, always attending workshops and producing a great standard of work consistently. Ifan is working towards his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Sports Leadership and is also working on his Digital Literacy Skills with the HWB.
Why did you decide to do your apprenticeship with the Urdd?
It was a great opportunity to work in sports through the medium of Welsh.
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
I enjoy the variety of the job, the clubs, helping in the sports festivals and I’ve met a lot of new people.
What does doing your apprenticeship through the medium of Welsh mean to you?
It’s great to be able to work through the medium of Welsh and to see children enjoying themselves- it’s showed me that sports can be done successfully through the medium of Welsh.
What are your interests outside work?
Watching and playing football, watching the Scarlets, listening to music, going to the gym, socialising and eating!
In what way has your apprenticeship affected your personal development?
It has given me confidence, improved my Welsh language skills and helped me decide that I want to teach.
In what way has developing your Digital Literacy Skills added to your apprenticeship?
I contact parents and teachers over e-mail and text message. I also contribute to the apprenticeship forum. Also, my numeracy skills are important to make sure that I have the same number of children at the beginning and end of each session!
What do you hope to do after you finish your apprenticeship?
I have got a place at university to study Primary Education, so within 3 years I’ll be looking for a teaching job!
Briefly describe your duties
I lead sports sessions in schools across the county, help at sports festivals and do my coursework.
In 3 words describe your apprenticeship
Lots of fun!
Would you like to add anything to your story? How have you got to where you are? What is/was your biggest challenge?
I applied for an apprenticeship because I wanted to take a year out before heading to university. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so this year has been a fantastic experience and it’s helped me realise that I want to teach! The trip to Dublin was great! All my experiences so far have been wonderful and I’mreally grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had.