Dream career leads to a national learning award for Nicole
Nicole Evans with her award.
A talented learner from Coleg Menai, who found her dream career literally by accident, has won a prestigious national award.
Nicole Evans, 18, from Bangor, collected the Traineeship Learning of the Year (Engagement) award at the high profile Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014 ceremony, held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday (October 31).
“Oh my God,” was her initial reaction. “Winning this award means a lot to me. It’s going to boost my confidence and it proves that I am good at something.”
Organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards showcase excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers. Sponsor was Pearson PLC and media partner was 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.
Fracturing her spine in a fall from a window unexpectedly helped Nicole to discover an exceptional talent after she had initially enrolled at Coleg Menai on a hairdressing course. As severe back pain caused by the 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.”
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 every success in her career.”
More than 400 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales attended the awards ceremony, where guests dined out with chefs from the Culinary Team Wales.
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