Only way is up for Cameron who has discovered his vocation at climbing centre
Cameron Thomas is literally climbing his way to the top
Cameron Thomas is literally climbing his way to the top. The 17-year-old has discovered his vocation at indoor climbing and activity centre Boulders and is determined to leave behind his troubled teenage years.
Through Cardiff-based Itec Skills and Employment, Cameron started on a Traineeship Engagement programme before progressing to a Level 1 qualification in Customer Service. His placement at Boulders has led to additional paid work at weekends and the opportunity to take the first steps on the road to becoming a qualified climbing instructor.
Now Cameron has been shortlisted for the Traineeship Learner of the Year (Engagement) award at this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, which take place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on October 20.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, employers and learning providers who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships, Jobs Growth Wales and Apprenticeship programmes. The Awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and supported by media partner, Media Wales.
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
It is a far cry from Cameron’s early school years having been excluded from school at the age of 11, attending alternative education centres until the age of 13 and finding himself in problematic situations.
“I made mistakes but I love climbing and really enjoy working at the centre,” he said. “I’ve been given a chance to turn my life round and hopefully I can do what I love for a living.”
Itec tutor Gareth Speers said: “Cameron’s change of attitude towards learning and employment has been remarkable. He has discovered a passion for climbing, is working hard, and is now not simply in a job, but on a great career path.”
Wales’ Minister for Skills and Science Julie James congratulated Cameron and the other 32 shortlisted award finalists. “We are proud to be delivering one of the most successful apprenticeship programmes in Europe with success rates in Wales remaining well above 80 per cent,” she said.
“Developing skilled people is vital for our economy. We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements. Equally important are the learning providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their learners.”
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