Learning on the Job

Last autumn, St Padarn’s launched the Church in Wales’ Apprenticeship in Christian Ministry, the first programme of its kind in Wales. Revd Dr Mark Griffiths, Dean at St Padarn’s, is pleased with its success.

The programme is endorsed and partly funded by Welsh Government and allows young people to explore Christian ministry in a 12–18-month position. In our first cohort, ten young people enrolled on the programme from the dioceses of Llandaff and St Davids.

They have spent the last year employed by their local churches and have worked in schools, outreach events, at foodbanks, in prisons and have preached and led services on Sundays and throughout the week.

They have also set up youth and children’s clubs; they have taken part in church council meetings, staff meetings and have developed an understanding of the structure and function of local churches and Ministry Areas. The feedback received suggests they have been a significant blessing to the churches where they have worked, and the apprentices themselves have found the experience exceptionally rewarding.

A number of the apprentices are continuing their studies for a second year, some have taken full-time posts as youth and children’s workers or worship leaders in local church, and one will go on to train as a teacher.

Many of the first-year apprentices have moved into the selection process to explore their path into ministry and it is encouraging to see the result of the training; the hope is that we are nurturing and supporting potential future priests.

Throughout the year they have undertaken a Level 4 (first year degree) in Workplace Mission and Ministry (taught every Monday morning online and through two residentials). Those who are not staying into Year 2 will leave with experience in a local church and a recognised qualification. It has been a joy to journey with them.

We have already received applications from those wishing to start the programme in September and the application window is open.

If your Church would be interested in employing an apprentice or would like further information, please contact us on: apprenticeships@stpadarns.ac.uk