At Conwy Council, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a way of life. And for John Thomas and John Clay, it’s also been the foundation of two remarkable careers built on hard work, adaptability and the power of apprenticeships.
John Thomas: From the Driver’s Seat to Leading the Way
John Thomas at Conwy Council
John Thomas began his journey as an agency HTV driver, never imagining he’d one day be leading a team in waste recycling. But after securing a permanent role and stepping into a relief supervisor position, he realised experience alone wasn’t enough – he needed qualifications to match his ambition.
That’s when Cambrian Training entered the picture. John enrolled in the Level 3 Diploma in Sustainable Agreement Activities (Supervisory) in 2020, completed it in 2022, and immediately progressed to the Level 4 Diploma in Systems and Operations Management, which he finished in July 2023.
Now a Waste Recycling Supervisor, John oversees the daily operations of Conwy’s recycling collections – from vehicle prep and route planning to managing resources and handling customer complaints. “It takes a lot to pick up rubbish,” he jokes, “but it’s all part of the job.”
For John, the apprenticeship wasn’t just about ticking boxes. “The knowledge I’ve gained has been immense. It’s not just theory – it’s stuff I use every single day.” He also valued the flexibility of work-based learning, which allowed him to balance assignments with the unpredictable nature of frontline work.
John Clay: The Glue Holding It All Together
John Clay at Conwy Council
John Clay’s story stretches back even further. He joined Conwy Council in 1998 – before recycling was even part of the conversation. “It became a thing a couple of years in,” he says with a grin. “I thought, this is the way forward – I’ll get involved.”
And involved he got. Over the years, John became a key figure in the council’s waste strategy team, known for his ability to jump in wherever needed – from sourcing equipment to supporting crews on the ground. “Someone once said I’m like the glue that holds everything together,” he laughs. “I’m spread across the whole section.”
Despite his deep experience, John found himself hitting a ceiling when applying for new roles. “I kept coming up against the need for qualifications,” he explains. That’s when he spotted the Level 4 Sustainable Resource Management apprenticeship with Cambrian Training – and raised his hand.
The course gave him more than just a certificate. “It helped me understand how to present information properly – that academic side I didn’t really have before.” He also appreciated the practical structure: “You switch into your apprentice head for a bit, get your assignments, ask questions, and then crack on with your day. It’s a brilliant way to learn.”
Shared Wisdom, Shared Impact
Both Johns agree: apprenticeships aren’t just for newcomers. They’re for anyone ready to grow. “Whether you’re just starting out or have years under your belt, it’s a great way to develop,” says John Clay. “It benefits you and the company – everyone wins.”
John Thomas echoes the sentiment: “I’d absolutely recommend apprenticeships to other companies. The experience and knowledge you gain is invaluable – not just for the learner, but for the organisation too.”
Their stories are proof that when you invest in people, you invest in progress. And at Conwy Council, that progress is paving the way for a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable future.
