Delivering skills to survive and thrive in the 21st century
Elen Rees (left), financial director and Anne Williams, director of skills, at Cambrian Training Company
Award winning learning provider Cambrian Training Company is reaping the rewards of “delivering skills to survive and thrive in the 21st century”.
The company, which has its headquarters in Welshpool and delivers training across Wales, has a track record of success. Last month, managing director, Arwyn Watkins collected the small employer award for Wales in the National Training Awards for excellence in training and staff development.
Now Cambrian Training Company has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award that recognises the outstanding achievements of learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality apprenticeships across Wales.
The company is one of 19 finalists in six categories of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation Wales (NTfW). Welsh Government apprenticeship programmes are part funded by the European Social Fund.
Cambrian Training Company is contesting the Apprenticeship Provider of the Year award and one of its apprentices, butcher Tomos Hopkin from Rhiwfawr, Swansea, is a Young Apprentice of the Year finalist.
The winners will be announced at a high profile presentation ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, Cardiff on Wednesday. November 16. Main sponsor of the awards, which aim to showcase excellence in skills development in Wales, is Pearson and media partner for the event is Media Wales.
With a workforce of 38, Cambrian Training Company is currently delivering apprenticeship programmes to 352 apprentices, taking the total over the past five years to 2,662.
The sectors the company works with include hospitality, food manufacturing, engineering, environmental conservation, customer service, retail, business administration, management and leadership and health and social care.
“We are passionate about the skills we deliver and how we can make a difference to sectors and businesses,” said Mr Watkins. “Our focus is concentrated on achieving better outcomes for apprentices and employers.”
The company’s success has been built on strong relationships with employers and apprentices and a willingness to provide flexible training solutions.
One of its greatest achievements to date was running a pilot programme in Wales for the Triple A National Committee, which has led to a fully recognised craft-led apprenticeship for chefs with Pearson.
Recently, the company was the only work based apprenticeship provider in Wales to secure an international showcase with butchery apprentices at WorldSkills London 2011.
The other Apprenticeship Awards Cymru categories are: Foundation Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Medium Employer of the Year and Large Employer of the Year.
Around 250 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 Welsh National Culinary Team.
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert said: “I have been encouraged by the extremely high standard of this year’s finalists and the variety across all ages and sectors, which shows the strength of apprenticeship delivery in Wales.
“Irrespective of whether or not they collect an award, the 19 finalists are all winners. Each has an inspiring story to tell, making them true ambassadors for apprenticeship programmes in Wales.
“The Welsh Government is committed to creating more apprenticeship opportunities for young people in Wales and continuing to support employers who are willing to offer high quality apprenticeship places.”
The NTfW is a network of 90 quality assured learning providers, which has links to 35,000 employers across Wales.
President Lord Ted Rowlands said: “Apprenticeship Awards Cymru showcases and celebrates the achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training, demonstrated initiative and enterprise, innovation and creativity and shown an understanding and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.”
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