A RADIO presenter from Newtown has helped launch a volunteer programme to find 40 people looking for an opportunity to develop their skills this autumn.

The Welsh Government is helping to bring Skills Cymru2014 – two large-scale interactive careers and skills events - to Llandudno and Cardiff this October, and has launched a volunteer programme to find 40 school pupils, college students and adult learners to work as skills ambassador at the events.

The Welsh Government will be working with 10 schools and education providers to search for the volunteers who will be performing a range of roles including film presenters, social media coordinators, evaluators and stewards.

Radio presenter Michelle Owen, 24, from Newtown has carved out a career in the broadcast media after being chosen as the official presenter for the first ever SkillsCymru event in 2010; a voluntary role which involved working with an online television company to present videos which were posted online and distributed over big screens at the Millennium Stadium throughout the four day event which attracted over 20,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors.

Michelle is now encouraging young people from across Wales to grasp the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience.

She said: “I got to do loads of amazing things at the first SkillsCymru event - like climbing inside an F1 car to interview someone on camera. I spent four days running around inside the stadium speaking to everyone there – it was a really great experience.”

The opportunity helped to enhance the Swansea University graduate’s portfolio, and following this, she secured a permanent role at NME Radio as an evening show presenter. She has since worked with ITV Wales, Sky and Nation Radio and now presents breakfast radio for The Breeze, along with the Saturday breakfast show at Capital FM South Wales.

“My experience at SkillsCymru taught me to be positive and give anything a try,” said Michelle, “my advice to anyone thinking of volunteering at the next event is to just go for it – you never know what doors it could open and where it might lead you.”

Part funded by the European Social Fund, SkillsCymru 2014 will be held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on October 8 and 9, and Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on October 22 and 23.

Ken Skates, the Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, said: “We are looking for 40 individuals who will be able to showcase their talents and support our drive to develop the skills of thousands of people across Wales. SkillsCymru 2014 is part of the Welsh Government’s ambition to open doors to first-class vocational training and demonstrate the wide range of learning and skills opportunities that exist within Wales.”

Over 25 organisations have already signed up to be a part of SkillsCymru 2014, including NHS Wales, the Royal Air Force, Navy and Marines, McDonalds, Welsh Government (Food and Drink), Visit Wales, and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This year’s events are being organised by Prospects and Cazbah, and supported by the Welsh Government and Careers Wales. 

For further information on SkillsCymru 2014, visit www.skillscymru.co.uk. Schools, colleges and other community groups from across Wales who would like to visit the events can get in touch with the SkillsCymru team on 01823 362800 or email georga.blair@prospects.co.uk. Any organisations wishing to exhibit can contact Gabrielle.McEvans@Prospects.co.uk or 01823 362811.