A Caerphilly man selected to help preserve a key part of South Wales history has described the opportunity as a “big honour”.
Ben Monro, 25, is one of just two successful applicants given the chance to train at the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon to become part of the next generation of staff.
Ben and fellow candidate David Powell, from Treharris, were among 52 who applied for the roles of mining craft apprentices.
The duo will complete vocational training, gain hands-on experience of working alongside members of the maintenance team and also become part-time members of the local Mines Rescue Team.
Ben previously worked for Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, at Blaenavon Ironworks and believes the experience will serve him well in his role.
He said: “I’ve got a real interest in local history and the history of Wales. There hasn’t been any actual coal mining here for a couple of years but we need to keep it and the history alive for future generations.
“I’ve got a huge appreciation for the role Wales played in the Industrial Revolution, and people like us are needed in order not to lose a sense of Welsh history.
“It’s a big responsibility, but it’s been fascinating learning on the job.”
No coal has been mined at Big Pit since its closure in 1980, but several former miners were hired to maintain the underground conditions upon its reopening as a heritage museum three years later.
In 2001, the site was incorporated into National Museum Wales, a family of seven museums across the country.
Following an initial training period of six months, it is hoped that the apprentices will become underground guides.
“We’re just coming to the end of our second month now, and no two days are the same”, Ben added. “We’re novices to the world of coal mining, and we’re going from nothing to being able to maintain a coal mine.
“The other guys here are in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and it’s all second nature to them.”
The apprentices have been put through their paces on a range of tasks in both the classroom and the mine itself, from learning how to guide the public to conducting underground repairs.
As the mine is classed as a working colliery, it must comply with safety legislations which include restrictions on battery-operated watches, photographic equipment, matches and cigarette lighters being taken underground.
Ben said: “We’ve had to learn all the legislation, all about the mine itself, and build up a confidence to make it digestible for the public.
“I never anticipated doing this, and it’s a big honour. The responsibility rests with us, and it’s a very exciting time ahead.”
Huw Jones, Mine Manager, added: “We were extremely pleased with the number and high quality of the applications received. The apprenticeships are an important part of the succession plan at Big Pit and will help to ensure that the public can continue to enjoy the underground experience at the museum and learn about the history of the mining industry in Wales.
“We are hopeful that the apprenticeship initiative will continue year on year.”
IF comrade Corbyn should by some miracle, win tomorrows general election, Big Pit will be in public ownership and you will be mining coal again !
I hope he finds a Gold mine to help him fund all these wonderful ideas, he will need about 500 of them
I think the people of the UK will be wise enough to not want him as our leader.
Even Lord Sugar has denounced him.
I hope tomorrows verdict is ” Jeremy – you’re fired”