Successful entrepreneur encourages others to take apprenticeships

A former Halfords apprentice from Cardiff Bay in Wales is lending support to the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme, which encourages school leavers to choose an apprenticeship as a route to their dream career.

Elijah Sumner, who is only 21 years old, was an apprentice at Halfords and has now started his own business.

Apprentice

Elijah studied a three-year Level 3 apprenticeship in Automotive Technology at Halfords Auto Centre, before setting up an auto electronics garage to diagnose and repair electrics in automobiles.

He said that going to university was not the right path for him, so he opted for an apprenticeship, which allowed him to gain a lot of experience at a young age.

Inspiration

Minister for Skills and Science Julie James AM said it was important that students are presented with all possible options available to them so that they can make an informed choice about their future.  

James went on to add that Elijah was an inspiration to young people and a good example of what a person can achieve if they have the right combination of skills, qualifications, and training.

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government and support offered by the European Social Fund.