Gatewen Training in Wrexham for over 50 years. Gatewen Training, based on Llay Industrial Estate was set up in 1971 and is one of oldest private training providers in North Wales. The company initially set out to support local employers in the warehousing and logistics sector by training Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) and forklift truck drivers (FLT).

Gatewen Training, based on Llay Industrial Estate was set up in 1971 and is one of oldest private training providers in North Wales. The company was initially set up to support local employers in the warehousing and logistics sector by training Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) and forklift truck drivers (FLT).

Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration, recently visited the company and saw for himself how Gatewen now offers an extensive range of courses ranging from LGV and Plant Operations to generic subjects such as Health & Safety and First Aid. They work closely with the Wrexham Communities for Work team as well as many other local employers.

For the past two years they have been working with 2 Further Education (FE) Colleges on a Welsh Government funded initiative which aims to train up the next generation of LGV drivers. Personal Learning Account (PLA) allow learners who are over the age of 19 to study on a flexible, part-time basis, often in areas where there are national skills shortages. The funding enables candidates to obtain the skills and qualifications they need to change their career or progress in their current job role.

Cllr Williams, said, “Gatewen Training vehicles are familiar sights on our roads but they offer so much more than HGV and LGV training. It was great to meet Julian and the team and to hear about all the good work they are doing to help companies and individuals to improve their qualifications.”

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Julian Hughes – “Over the past 2 years we have been able to help over 400 people from the North and Mid Wales region to access PLA funding for LGV training. Some of the learners have come to Gatewen as complete novices who are looking for a new challenge in life and others have completed Cat C+E training, allowing them to drive larger vehicles.

“We are really excited to be supporting a programme of skills development in the region which compliments projects such as the North Wales Growth Deal and the freeport in Holyhead.”