Bangor teenager shortlisted for national learner of the year award
Nicholas McKeown with Military Preparation College instructor Ryan Roberts
A Bangor teenager who believed he would achieve nothing in life is now on the path to fulfilling his dream and has been shortlisted for a prestigious national apprenticeship award.
Nicholas McKeown, 18, is a finalist in the Traineeships Learner of the Year Level One category at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014. He will join 35 other finalists in 13 categories at a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31.
The awards are organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).
Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.
The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Nicholas went to the Military Preparation College (MPCT) in Bangor aiming to improve his confidence after bullying at school left him with very low self-esteem.
He was barely able to speak in public when he joined but his confidence improved dramatically and he has now applied to be a gunner in the Royal Artillery and has successfully completed all but one exam.
“These are the first qualifications I’ve achieved and I’m very proud,” he said. “I really want to attend future events at MPCT and talk to learners who feel the same way I did. I’d like to reassure them that they are not hopeless and that they too can get an education.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Vocational training provides learners with the skills, qualifications and experience they need whilst helping our businesses to grow. These awards are a chance for us to recognise the wealth of talent we have in Wales.
“The dedication that Nicholas has shown to improve his prospects is really inspirational. His example proves that a traineeship is an excellent route to an apprenticeship. I’m so pleased that he has now been given the opportunity to continue to develop his skills and knowledge.
“I’d like to wish him the very best of luck at the awards ceremony.”
More than 400 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Culinary Team Wales.
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