Cardiff-based Celsa Steel UK (www.celsauk.com), a manufacturer of steel reinforcement and long steel products, is ramping up its apprenticeship programme and will begin training 33 apprentices this year, providing a route into skilled manufacturing jobs (it will also introduce office-based apprenticeships).

The company’s apprenticeship programme began in 2005, and more than 20 apprentices have so far benefitted from its four-year training scheme, with many of them now in well-paid positions within the company.

Luis Sanz, CEO and managing director, said: “Celsa Steel operates at the heart of Wales’ booming industrial heritage, and we are proud of our key role in the local community.

"We are harnessing our power as a dynamic and successful Welsh business to expand the breadth of opportunities available to local young people, while making sure that we have the skilled workforce required to grow.”