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We know that early work experience can play a vital
role in helping young people discover the right career path, and Sianco Emmanuel’s journey is a great example
of how practical opportunities can lead directly into long-term employment.
Sianco completed a six-week painting placement with us through our Pathway to Your Future work experience programme, supported by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with the Council.
During the placement, Sianco improved his painting skills and got a better
understanding of what day-to-day work on site is really like, learning directly from the
team. Reflecting on the opportunity, Sianco said: “My six weeks of work experience with
Carmarthenshire County Council were incredible. I got hands-on with real painting
and decorating work, like prepping walls, mixing paints, and trying out different
finishing techniques. Learning directly from the team and seeing how they manage real
projects taught me so much and made me feel ready to take on more responsibility.”
Sianco worked with the Property Maintenance Team and mentor Adrian
Brown, gaining experience across a range of council buildings and residential properties.
In September 2025, he enrolled onto the Cyfle Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship
Scheme, beginning an apprenticeship in painting and decorating while studying
towards his Level 3 City & Guilds qualification at Coleg Sir Gâr – Ammanford
Campus, alongside his employment with Carmarthenshire County Council.
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We’re delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Jake Fearn from our Digital and Transformation Team, who has successfully completed three major endurance events in memory of Phil Jones (Shamby), raising funds for Kidney Wales.
Over the past year, Jake took on an extraordinary physical and mental challenge, completing:
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Ironman Wales – September 2025
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Marathon Eryri (Snowdonia) – October 2025
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London Marathon – April 2026
Each event tested endurance, resilience and determination, and Jake rose to the challenge every step of the way — all while fundraising for a cause close to his heart and continuing Phil’s charitable legacy.
Why Kidney Wales matters
Kidney disease affects over 93,000 people in Wales. There is currently no cure, and many people rely on life‑changing treatments such as dialysis or transplantation. Since 1967, Kidney Wales has worked to improve the lives of patients and their families across Wales.
The charity receives no government funding and depends entirely on donations to provide essential support.
You can still support
Although Jake has completed all three events, donations are still being accepted, and every contribution — no matter how small — will continue to make a real difference to people and families living with kidney disease in Wales.
A huge thank you and congratulations to Jake for this incredible achievement — and thank you to everyone who has supported him along the way.
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We’re really pleased to share some exciting news for the department. A range of apprentice and graduate roles will be advertised in May, offering fantastic opportunities for people at the start of their careers and marking an important step forward in our workforce and succession planning.
These roles reflect our commitment to developing talent, building skills from within, and ensuring we have the capacity and capability needed to meet future service demands. By investing in apprenticeships and graduate pathways, we are strengthening resilience and creating sustainable career routes into key professional and technical roles.
The roles due to be advertised include:
- Graduate Trainee Transport Planner
- Graduate Environmental Enforcement Officer
- Traffic & Road Safety Graduate
- Property Maintenance Graduate
- Passenger Transport Apprentice
- Streetworks Inspector Apprentice
- Traffic Management Technician Apprentice
- Property Maintenance Apprentice
- Civil Design Apprentices (2 posts)
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We’re delighted to share that Samara Powell has been appointed as Transport Strategy and Services Manager. This is a new role within the Environment and Infrastructure Division—a fantastic success story and a great example of how investing in early‑career talent can lead to long‑term progression within the Council.
Samara joined the Council through our graduate programme, and her appointment into this senior role reflects both her commitment and development, as well as the strength of our approach to growing talent from within. Her journey demonstrates the value of providing meaningful graduate opportunities that support learning, progression and leadership development.
In her new position as Transport Strategy and Services Manager, Samara will play a key role in shaping and delivering transport services across the county. The role provides strategic leadership for passenger transport, learner travel, transport infrastructure, policy and planning, ensuring services align with both regional and national priorities.
The post has responsibility for leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing major transport programmes and infrastructure projects, working closely with elected members and external partners, and helping to deliver safe, sustainable and inclusive transport for residents and communities across Carmarthenshire.
We’d like to congratulate Samara on her appointment and wish her every success in her new role.
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We’re delighted to share that the Tywi Valley Path is now open, marking a significant milestone for active travel in Carmarthenshire. This major infrastructure project has transformed a former railway line between Carmarthen and Llandeilo into a 16 mile traffic‑free route for walkers and cyclists, running through the heart of the Tywi Valley.
The path offers a safe, accessible and largely level route designed for people of all ages and abilities. Once on the path, users can enjoy uninterrupted countryside, rolling hills and peaceful riverside landscapes throughout the journey.
A sincere thank you to everyone involved in bringing the Tywi Valley Path from concept to reality. Your contribution has delivered a high‑quality, lasting asset that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.
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