Latest news with #ApprenticeoftheYear
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Young achievers from Coleg Cambria celebrated at awards
The North East Wales college saw five of its students reach the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Nicola Culkin, a quality manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, took home the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham, was highly commended in the Rising Star category. Other finalists included Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery, and Belinda Rossouw from Maelor Foods, all of whom were nominated in the same category. Kate Muddiman, work-based learning manager at Coleg Cambria, said: "They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them. "It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour." The ceremony celebrated some of the most innovative food and drink producers in Wales, with categories designed to showcase the diversity and talent within the sector. Rhys Iley, chair of judges, said: "It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. "Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals." The Wales Food and Drink Awards were co-founded by Liz Brookes, director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. In a related event, Ms Muddiman recently served as a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were tasked with designing food products that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins. READ MORE: Meet the couple behind Wrexham's vibrant community farm Things are definitely looking so bright as talented Airbus squad takes shape Ms Muddiman said: "It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year. "The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. "The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. "An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career." The Wales Food and Drink Awards will return in 2026. Further information can be found at
Business News Wales
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Coleg Cambria Learners Recognised at Wales Food and Drink Awards
Nicola with presenter Sian Lloyd and sponsor Arwyn Watkins OBE (Cambrian Training). Credit: Wales Food and Drink Awards. Coleg Cambria rose to the occasion at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Learners from the college – which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi – excelled in reaching the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards. Nicola Culkin, a Quality Manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, won the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven – lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham – was highly commended for Rising Star. Also representing Cambria were Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, a baker and pastry chef, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery and Maelor Foods' Belinda Rossouw, all nominated in the Rising Star category. Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman congratulated the quintet for the hard work and dedication they have shown in being included among the sector's best. 'They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them,' she added. 'It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour.' The ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the industry in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. Chair of Judges Rhys Iley said: 'It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Meanwhile, Kate was recently a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were challenged to design food products and dishes that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins, impressing the judges with concept, taste and sustainability. 'It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year,' said Kate. 'The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. 'The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career.'
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Plastics Industry Rising Stars Honoured At Plastics NZ Awards
Press Release – Plastics New Zealand He's not a doctor, a nurse, or even a police officer but Rajeneel Kumar helps to save lives. Named 2025 Competenz Plastics Apprentice of the Year at the annual Plastics NZ Awards on Thursday night, the Manurewa local produces critical components for lifesaving technologies – from ventilators for premature babies to sleep apnoea devices and hospital masks. 'It's pretty cool how the components we make are used to save lives – it makes the job rewarding,' says Rajeneel, who has spent over a decade at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and last year completed his New Zealand Certificate in Plastics Processing (Level 4) with strands Injection Moulding through work based training organisation, Competenz. 'I'd worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for many years before starting my apprenticeship and I thought I knew everything, but my apprenticeship challenged me to dig so much deeper. I learned so much about plastics technology.' The accolade is a 'huge thrill' for the 32 year old, who has worked tirelessly to achieve his goal. 'It hasn't been easy, especially working in the healthcare industry during Covid when we were running 24/7. I've also got two young kids, and my wife works in the afternoons so juggling the book work with family life was a big challenge. Winning Apprentice of the Year means so much to me. In 2023 I was named runner-up for Competenz Plastics Trainee of the Year, so to actually win this year is a huge thrill. It shows that all the research, all the work and all the support I was given was worth it.' Rajeneel saw gaining his apprenticeship 'as an opportunity to improve myself,' and it's a move that has certainly paid off. Now he has been promoted to Plastics Team Leader, and soon he'll be mentoring some of the young apprentices following in his footsteps. Competenz Training Advisor Alan Smith couldn't be prouder. 'Rajeneel stands out from the rest,' says Alan. 'He performs well, shows willingness to learn and is always eager to learn new technologies. He has an ambitious mindset and is keen to explore further avenues to grow in his career.' Rajeneel's future at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is bright. Operations Engineering Manager Shijoy Sam says he is a huge asset for the business. 'Rajeneel is ambitious, keen to take on new challenges and always goes above and beyond expectations. He leads the team by example, is diligent and gives 100 percent to everything he commits to,' says Shijoy. 'Continuous improvement is part of the culture at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Rajeneel always seeks ways to improve himself and his team.' The annual Plastics NZ Awards salutes those in the industry who are making their mark and Rajeneel is a stellar example. So too is Henderson resident Faleono (Junior) Esekia who stepped up to the podium alongside Rajeneel to take out Competenz Trainee of the Year, the top award for people training in New Zealand Certificate Level 3 qualifications. A plastics technician at product development and manufacturing company Adept Ltd, Junior completed his Level 3 injection moulding qualification last September and is now on the fast track to gaining his apprenticeship. 'I'm shocked and speechless to be named Trainee of the Year,' says Junior (33). 'Having spent over ten years in the plastics industry, receiving this accolade means so much to me, and is the first step towards achieving my goal of gaining my apprenticeship and one day becoming the 'Dr. Murphy' of plastics and injection moulding!' The father of four was inspired to forge a career in plastics after studying science at the University of Auckland. 'Seeing senior plastics technicians being able to mould and fix any issues with injection moulding made me want to be at that level of skill and knowledge. What I love most is that feeling I get when I solve an injection moulding issue and I'm able to get a product to run perfectly – that and getting to try out the new automation being introduced with new products.' Junior's Competenz Training Advisor Jonathan Newsome describes the plastics technician as 'deserving, super helpful, polite and self-driven.' 'Junior completed all his assessments to a high standard, met all his deadlines and drove his qualification himself. The fact that he has now advanced into Level 4 demonstrates the drive he has to better himself,' says Jonathan. Employer Patrick McElhannan has been equally impressed and can't wait to see Junior continue to flourish in the organisation and the industry. 'Junior is the quiet achiever, he consistently demonstrates his ability as a plastics technician. He never seeks recognition but his work ethic and the high standard of work he produces is testament to the calibre of technician he has become. Because of this we as a business can see just how much value he adds daily within the workspace,' says Patrick. 'Junior is now recognised as an equal amongst his peers, and sometimes other more seasoned veterans within the plastics world seek advice from him. His ability to troubleshoot and diagnose root causes in plastics faults, his wide processing knowledge of a large catalogue of polymers, along with his extensive knowledge of programming and processing of automation cells including six axis robots, demonstrates just how far he has come through this apprenticeship.' Patrick says he couldn't think of a more deserving candidate for Competenz Trainee of the Year, adding, 'Junior's attitude towards working in a team, along with his displayed aptitude amongst his peers, really sets the tone for what an incredible individual he is. Any moulding shop in New Zealand would be better off for having him around.'
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Plastics Industry Rising Stars Honoured At Plastics NZ Awards
He's not a doctor, a nurse, or even a police officer but Rajeneel Kumar helps to save lives. Named 2025 Competenz Plastics Apprentice of the Year at the annual Plastics NZ Awards on Thursday night, the Manurewa local produces critical components for lifesaving technologies - from ventilators for premature babies to sleep apnoea devices and hospital masks. 'It's pretty cool how the components we make are used to save lives – it makes the job rewarding,' says Rajeneel, who has spent over a decade at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and last year completed his New Zealand Certificate in Plastics Processing (Level 4) with strands Injection Moulding through work based training organisation, Competenz. 'I'd worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for many years before starting my apprenticeship and I thought I knew everything, but my apprenticeship challenged me to dig so much deeper. I learned so much about plastics technology.' The accolade is a 'huge thrill' for the 32 year old, who has worked tirelessly to achieve his goal. 'It hasn't been easy, especially working in the healthcare industry during Covid when we were running 24/7. I've also got two young kids, and my wife works in the afternoons so juggling the book work with family life was a big challenge. Winning Apprentice of the Year means so much to me. In 2023 I was named runner-up for Competenz Plastics Trainee of the Year, so to actually win this year is a huge thrill. It shows that all the research, all the work and all the support I was given was worth it.' Rajeneel saw gaining his apprenticeship 'as an opportunity to improve myself,' and it's a move that has certainly paid off. Now he has been promoted to Plastics Team Leader, and soon he'll be mentoring some of the young apprentices following in his footsteps. Competenz Training Advisor Alan Smith couldn't be prouder. 'Rajeneel stands out from the rest,' says Alan. 'He performs well, shows willingness to learn and is always eager to learn new technologies. He has an ambitious mindset and is keen to explore further avenues to grow in his career.' Rajeneel's future at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is bright. Operations Engineering Manager Shijoy Sam says he is a huge asset for the business. 'Rajeneel is ambitious, keen to take on new challenges and always goes above and beyond expectations. He leads the team by example, is diligent and gives 100 percent to everything he commits to,' says Shijoy. 'Continuous improvement is part of the culture at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Rajeneel always seeks ways to improve himself and his team.' The annual Plastics NZ Awards salutes those in the industry who are making their mark and Rajeneel is a stellar example. So too is Henderson resident Faleono (Junior) Esekia who stepped up to the podium alongside Rajeneel to take out Competenz Trainee of the Year, the top award for people training in New Zealand Certificate Level 3 qualifications. A plastics technician at product development and manufacturing company Adept Ltd, Junior completed his Level 3 injection moulding qualification last September and is now on the fast track to gaining his apprenticeship. 'I'm shocked and speechless to be named Trainee of the Year,' says Junior (33). 'Having spent over ten years in the plastics industry, receiving this accolade means so much to me, and is the first step towards achieving my goal of gaining my apprenticeship and one day becoming the 'Dr. Murphy' of plastics and injection moulding!' The father of four was inspired to forge a career in plastics after studying science at the University of Auckland. 'Seeing senior plastics technicians being able to mould and fix any issues with injection moulding made me want to be at that level of skill and knowledge. What I love most is that feeling I get when I solve an injection moulding issue and I'm able to get a product to run perfectly – that and getting to try out the new automation being introduced with new products.' Junior's Competenz Training Advisor Jonathan Newsome describes the plastics technician as 'deserving, super helpful, polite and self-driven.' 'Junior completed all his assessments to a high standard, met all his deadlines and drove his qualification himself. The fact that he has now advanced into Level 4 demonstrates the drive he has to better himself,' says Jonathan. Employer Patrick McElhannan has been equally impressed and can't wait to see Junior continue to flourish in the organisation and the industry. 'Junior is the quiet achiever, he consistently demonstrates his ability as a plastics technician. He never seeks recognition but his work ethic and the high standard of work he produces is testament to the calibre of technician he has become. Because of this we as a business can see just how much value he adds daily within the workspace,' says Patrick. 'Junior is now recognised as an equal amongst his peers, and sometimes other more seasoned veterans within the plastics world seek advice from him. His ability to troubleshoot and diagnose root causes in plastics faults, his wide processing knowledge of a large catalogue of polymers, along with his extensive knowledge of programming and processing of automation cells including six axis robots, demonstrates just how far he has come through this apprenticeship.' Patrick says he couldn't think of a more deserving candidate for Competenz Trainee of the Year, adding, 'Junior's attitude towards working in a team, along with his displayed aptitude amongst his peers, really sets the tone for what an incredible individual he is. Any moulding shop in New Zealand would be better off for having him around.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Watford organisations shortlisted for Herts 'business Oscars'
Businesses and organisations from the Watford area are among the finalists for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce '2025 business Oscars'. The county's very own business Oscars have revealed the finalists for the 2025 Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, underscoring the talent, innovation, and community commitment across the region's enterprise sector. Among the finalists are Watford Community Housing, One YMCA representing the wider south west of Hertfordshire area, and Small Acts of Kindness, who are all in the running to scoop an award at the exciting night in June. Donna Schultz, CEO of the Chamber, said: "Congratulations to all the incredible finalists – the standard of entries this year has been truly exceptional. "Our judges had a very tough job narrowing it down, and we thank everyone who took the time to enter. "These awards highlight the inspiring work happening across Hertfordshire, and we can't wait to celebrate together at the gala dinner." According to the Chamber, these organisations have shown exceptional vision, initiative, and perseverance and are now contending for the coveted prize. Watford Community Housing has been shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year award, while One YMCA is in the running for the Competition for the Excellence in People Development Award and the Property and Construction Project of the Year award. Small Acts of Kindness has been nominated for the title of Community Champion. This year's categories showcase brilliance in international trade, people development, innovation, sustainability, and more. The awarded businesses represent the county's spectrum of talent, encompassing start-ups, family enterprises, and established industry trailblazers. The awardees are set to be revealed at a grand masquerade-themed gala on Thursday, June 26, at Tewinbury Farm Hotel, Welwyn. The Chamber encourages all interested individuals to reserve their seats for the highly anticipated event by visiting the Chamber website, emailing awards@ or calling on 01707 502180.
