Dow Silicones in Barry has been shortlisted for a national award, recognising its work providing apprenticeships.

One of the biggest material science companies in the world, Dow has produced silicone intermediate products at its Barry facility since 1952, and supports the next generation of engineers through inclusive programmes that have been developed through 40 years of work-based learning.

Working closely with many learning providers, including Cardiff and the Vale College (CAVC), the company currently offers five pathways at Levels 2 and 3, and a further three pathways as Higher Apprenticeships, with 40 apprentices currently on site.

Dow has been shortlisted for the Large Employer of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2021.

This annual celebration of outstanding achievement in training and apprenticeships will see 35 finalists compete in 12 categories for awards. The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 29 April.

The awards showcase businesses and individuals who have excelled on the Welsh Government's Apprenticeship and Traineeship Programmes and gone the extra mile to achieve success during these unprecedented times.

The awards are jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Openreach, the UK's digital network business and passionate supporter of apprenticeships, has renewed its headline sponsorship of the awards.

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

"Bringing apprentices with us on the journey of expansion allows us to prepare for development and growth, with the knowledge that we will have the workforce with the right skillset," said Alex Laurie, Site Learning Leader.

The company's close relationship with CAVC has developed an innovative Chemical Operator programme through shared knowledge, skills and experience as well as supporting the college with materials and a source of tutors.

Currently, Dow's maintenance apprentice team is designing, building and delivering a working equipment process for CAVC to use as a learning aid on campus.