Coleg Menai learners shortlisted for national awards
Two talented learners from Coleg Menai who have found their dream careers have been shortlisted for prestigious national awards.
Trainee chef Nicole Evans found her dream career
Nicole Evans from Bangor and Rebecca Cooper from Llanfeathlu, near Holyhead are finalists in the Traineeship Learning of the Year (Engagement) and Traineeship Learner of the Year (Level 1) categories respectively at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014.
They will join 34 other finalists in 13 categories at the 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.
A serious back injury unexpectedly helped Nicole, 18, to discover an exceptional talent after she had initially enrolled at Coleg Menai on a hairdressing course.
As severe back pain caused by a spinal injury made hairdressing impossible, she reluctantly gave up and decided to try catering instead.
Starting the Traineeship was like “flicking a switch”, says Nicole and it soon became clear that she had a real talent for cooking. Her flair was recognised at the Anglesey Arms Hotel in Menai Bridge during a placement and she now works there full-time, developing her skills and gaining qualifications.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to work,” she said. “As soon as I started catering my life really took off. I had some really difficult times after my accident but the course has given me everything I need.”
Rebecca Cooper from Llanfaethlu at work at Vision Hair, Holyhead
Rebecca, 18, has landed a job she loves through sheer determination and hard work. Leaving school without qualifications, she tried work-based hairdressing training to earn while she learned.
She found her first work placements difficult as she lacked the confidence to deal with clients. However, her sheer determination meant that her attendance at Coleg Menai was excellent and she made quick progression through her qualifications.
She then secured a placement that turned everything around. Jan Barry at Vision Hair Salon connected with Rebecca in a way that nobody had before. She responded to Jan’s advice and now deals with customers in a confident, polite and extremely professional way.
“This traineeship programme has changed my life completely,” said Rebecca. “I love learning and get up looking forward to the day. I’m now determined to get my dream job working on cruise liners.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to start a successful career. You earn while you learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications. Another feature is receiving support from both your employer and training provider, making sure you get career guidance whilst learning skills. I wish Nicole and Rebecca every success in their careers.”
More than 300 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 National Culinary Team.
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