Outstanding achiever Sion shortlisted for national award

Posted on by karen.smith

Sion Hampson with Sybil Williams of Pedal Power.

A well-known politician once suggested that unemployed young people should get on their bikes in search of work. Sion Hampson took that literally, as his step into the workplace is in repairing and refurbishing bicycles at Pedal Power, based in Pontcanna, Cardiff.

Now Sion, 24, from Dinas Powys, has been shortlisted for the Jobs Growth Wales Outstanding Achiever of the Year accolade at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014 to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31.

The awards, split into 13 categories, 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.

Sion was out of work for three years prior to joining Pedal Power as part of the Jobs Growth Wales programme in March through learning provider Itec Training Solutions and has now been retained as an Apprentice in Customer Service.

His progression has been staggering; he started as a bicycle service officer, moved into repairs and refurbishment and now manages his own section with responsibility for supervising volunteers to ensure quality and safety standards are met.

“This opportunity through the Jobs Growth Wales programme has transformed my personal outlook and significantly enhanced my future prospects,” said Sion.

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.

“I’d like to wish Sion all 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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