Latest news with #FaithO'Brien
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Cambrian Training Company celebrates graduating apprentices
A Welshpool-based training company is celebrating the success of its staff. Nine employees from Cambrian Training Company were among more than 100 apprentices graduating at a ceremony held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd. The event marked the achievements of apprentices across a wide range of industries. Faith O'Brien, managing director of Cambrian Training Company, said: "We were delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our graduating staff members. "They have proven that they don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk and are committed to their own personal development." Six members of staff, Scott Morgan, Dan Phillips, Matt Davies, Ruth Bartlett, Hannah Gover and Michelle Ward-Jones, achieved the Agored Cymru Level 3 Certificate in Learning and Development. Grace Rutter and Kirsty Broomfield completed a City & Guilds Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Business Administration, while Jane Gammon achieved the Pearson Edexcel Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Management. Ms O'Brien said: "We encourage all our staff to continuously improve their skills and knowledge to develop their careers and fulfil their potential. "Continuing professional development is essential to ensure that we deliver the very best training and support services to our apprentices and their employers across Wales." The company recently celebrated its 30th anniversary by becoming employee-owned. Cambrian Training Company, along with its subsidiary Trailhead Fine Foods, is now part of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), a model designed to give employees a greater stake in the business. The company provides work-based learning opportunities across Wales.
Business News Wales
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Cambrian Training Celebrates its 30 Years in Business by Becoming a 100% Employee Owned Trust
Faith O'Brien, Managing Director, Cambrian Training Company, with Chris Gilmour, HR Manager Retail, Keypak, Malwina Caetano, Training Co-ordinator, Keypak and members of CTC's Food & Drink Manufacturing team. Cambrian Training Company (CTC) is one of the leading work-based learning apprenticeship providers in Wales. It was established in Welshpool, Powys, in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational skills that supported the development of the region's tourism sector. Seven years later in 2002, a management buy-out saw the organisation become an independent company, led by an experienced team committed to maintaining its base in Mid Wales while expanding geographically. Today, it is the largest provider of hospitality and food & drink manufacturing apprenticeships in Wales and provides apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors pan Wales. It's headquartered in Welshpool and has five offices covering North, Mid and South Wales. 'CTC's workforce is very much the heart of our business and the reason for its success', says Arwyn Watkins OBE, Executive Oversight Advisor, CTC Group. 'As the company celebrates 30 years in business, the company's previous shareholders thought it was the right time for CTC to become a 100% employee ownership trust; allowing all of its staff to have a personal stake in the next successful chapter of the company's business.' CTC's strapline is 'Engage, Inspire, Succeed'. Its mission is to engage learners including young people and employers in quality training apprenticeship programmes to inspire them to achieve in their careers and life goals and for businesses to succeed and create high quality sustainable employment. In the last 30 years Cambrian Training Company has delivered more than 20,000 apprenticeship programmes across Wales in more than 4,500 businesses. 'At Cambrian Training Company, we believe in leading by example,' says Faith O'Brien, Managing Director. 'We don't just advocate for apprenticeships; we actively engage. Our commitment is demonstrated through our own staff participating within the sectors we deliver and through apprenticeship programmes, ensuring we stay connected to the learning journey we promote. 'We've supported our own staff to take up work-based learning apprenticeships. I've completed four apprenticeships; three of our four Directors are ex-apprentices and over 60% of our workforce are current or past apprentices.' Apprenticeships are transformative in achieving personal and professional aspirations. They help build a highly-skilled and productive workforce to support the growth and success of Wales' economy. CTC strongly believes apprenticeships should be open to all. The company has apprentices from the age of 16 who've just left school all the way up to apprentices aged over 50. CTC has also championed the Supported Shared Apprenticeships programme designed to support Welsh people with special and additional learning needs to enter the workforce. 'We recently celebrated a number of remarkable businesses, training officers and apprentices in our CTC Awards,' says Faith. 'These awards highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations who have excelled in our apprenticeship programmes across Wales.' There were two winners in particular that highlight the value of following the apprenticeship route for both learners, employers and the Welsh economy. Cameron Long was named Foundation Apprentice of the Year. Cameron is autistic neuro diverse and has difficulty with his hearing and his mobility. He recently completed his Commercial Cleaning & Support Services Level 2 apprenticeship on Cambrian Training's Supported Shared Apprenticeship programme and as a result has secured a part-time job with Elite Clothing Solutions. Kepak received the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships award, that was selected on the basis of a company's apprenticeship programme's impact on the local community, their innovation and leadership and sustainability and legacy. The family-owned, globally operating meat producer is the largest meat processing facility in Wales, employing over 850 staff and playing a critical role in UK food supply chains. It offers apprenticeship qualifications from Level 2 through to Level 5 in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills, Food Manufacturing and Management. Since the introduction of the apprenticeship programme with Cambrian Training, Kepak has reported a 15% reduction in staff turnover and improved staff engagement across the business. Apprenticeships are helping to close vital skills gaps, build future managers, and reduce recruitment costs by developing talent from within. The business contributes over £200 million annually to the local economy and supports job security in Merthyr Tydfil and strengthens the future of one of Wales' most important food sector employers. 'CTC's business philosophy is Dream it. Learn it. Live it. As a 100% employee owned trust, CTC looks forward to training and supporting the next generation of apprentices in Wales to achieve their career dreams.'
Business News Wales
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
More Than 100 Apprentices Attend Training Company's Graduation Ceremony
Milestones in the learning journeys of more than 100 Welsh apprentices were celebrated at an apprenticeship graduation ceremony in Mid Wales. Apprentices travelled from across Wales to attend the bi-annual graduation ceremony organised by Cambrian Training Company and its sub-contractors at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd. Cambrian Training Company's managing director, Faith O'Brien, congratulated the graduates, but said: 'Remember this day as a milestone, not the destination. The skills you've gained through your apprenticeship are the tools – how you utilise them, shape them and innovate with them is up to you. 'As you move forward, keep the spirit of learning alive, embrace challenges and remember that every experience, good or bad, is a step closer to the professional you aspire to be. 'Apprenticeships open doors for everyone, allowing individuals to enter their desired careers. They also help businesses to build the skilled workforce they need, proving that learning isn't just confined to classrooms – it's about gaining real-world experience. 'Every single apprentice has proved that, with dedication, resilience and the right guidance, anyone can create their own path to success. We want to shout your achievements from the rooftops.' Cambrian Training Company is one of Wales' leading work-based learning providers, delivering apprenticeships for the Welsh Government. Sectors covered by the company and its partners include hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, leadership and management, sustainable resource management, health and social care and hairdressing. Faith revealed that more than 480 of the company's learners had successfully completed their frameworks over the past six months. She thanked trainers and mentors who had contributed to the success of the graduating apprentices and the company's partners, stakeholders and employers for their 'unwavering' support. 'Your support and expertise have been the cornerstone of these apprentices' success,' she said. 'You've not only shared your knowledge but also instilled confidence and belief in each apprentice. 'Our collaboration ensures that the skills our apprentices gain are not just relevant but are exactly what our evolving industries need.' One of this year's graduates was Lowri Milson, 23, from Penclawdd. Working with Cambrian Training Company and Elite, she was one of their first learners to complete a Foundation Apprenticeship in Hospitality Services on the Supported Shared Apprenticeship programme, designed for apprentices with learning needs. Lowri, who volunteers at cafes in Penllegaer and Dunvant, is keen to secure a job working in a bar. She was supported to achieve her apprenticeship by Cambrian Training Company's hospitality training officer Andrew Addis-Fuller who said he was proud of her achievement. 'Lowri is a remarkable individual who was very shy when I first met her,' he said. 'She developed her confidence so quickly that she was soon able to work on her own during busy shifts. I am so proud of her.' Lowri said: 'Today's graduation means that I have accomplished something special in my life and I want to continue learning. I want to return to bar work in the future because I enjoy meeting new people and interacting with customers.'
South Wales Argus
10-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
27 finalists revealed for Cambrian Training Company's awards
The awards, scheduled for June 3 at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells, will honour the exceptional accomplishments of apprentices, employers, and work-based learning practitioners. The finalists were shortlisted from a record number of entries by a panel of independent judges. Ebbw Vale's Elite Clothing Solutions' Cameron Long is in the running for Foundation Apprentice of the Year. Faith O'Brien, Cambrian Training Company's managing director, said: "We are thrilled by the remarkable increase in both the quantity and quality of award entries this year and extend our sincere thanks to all participants. "The upcoming awards ceremony next month promises to be a celebration of the finalists' inspiring success stories. "It's an opportunity to honour not only the apprentices and employers but also everyone who has supported them on their journey. "Together, they play an essential role in driving the Welsh economy forward, with apprenticeships serving as the gold standard for work-based learning." The awards will recognise achievements across nine categories and will also celebrate employers and practitioners dedicated to apprenticeship programmes.
Business News Wales
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Finalists Announced for Training Company's Annual Awards
Winners of last year's Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards with Cambrian Training Company managing director Faith O'Brien. Employers, learners and practitioners from across Wales who have excelled in apprenticeship programmes delivered by Cambrian Training Company and its sub-contractors will be celebrated at an awards dinner. Twenty-seven finalists – three in each category – will compete for this year's Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards organised by the Welshpool-based work-based learning provider. The awards, which will be held at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells on June 3, celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices, employers and work-based learning practitioners who are committed to apprenticeships. A team of independent judges had the task of shortlisting finalists in nine categories from a record number of entries. Cardiff-based Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs has three finalists, including two in the same category, while employees of Whitbread Premier Inn, Bangor will compete for two awards. Contesting the Foundation Apprentice of the Year Award are Cameron Long, a cleaning support services attendant at Elite Clothing Solutions, Ebbw Vale; Josh Williams, a receptionist at Whitbread Premier Inn, Bangor and Leanne Barratt, a chef at Mitchell & Butlers' Miller &Carter, Killay. Apprentice of the Year Award finalists are Deanne Rance, area manager for Lonetree-McDonalds, Newport; Cai Watkins, head of business unit contract manager for Cambrian Training Company, Welshpool and Jodie Bowater, hotel manager Whitbread Premier Inn, Bangor. The Higher Apprentice of the Year Award finalists are Ashley Richards, general manager at Peppermint Cardiff; Keri-Ann Evans, head chef at Bluestone, Narberth and Matthew Verallo, operations manager for The Celtic Collection's Tŷ Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. Seeking recognition in the Outstanding Individual of the Year Award category are Rachael Bowles, blending room team leader for Hilltop Honey, Newtown; Aaron Jones a waiter at Penycae Inn, Penycae, near Swansea and Denise Hodson, a playworker at Little Disciples Childcare, Penymynydd, Flintshire. Small Employer of the Year Award finalists are Silver Assist Homecare, Llangorse, Brecon; Nazareth House, Cardiff and Interplay, Penlan, Swansea. The Medium Employer of the Year Award brings together Filco Market, Llantwit Major, South Glamorgan; Voco St David's Cardiff and The Grove, Narberth, while finalists in the Large Employer of the Year are Kepak, Merthyr Tydfil; Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Achieve Together, Cardiff. Two work colleagues from Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs – Phoebe Wilson, lead training officer and Catherine Smith, training officer – and Samantha James, restaurant manager at Millie & Sid's, Tywyn have been shortlisted for the Welsh Language Ambassador Award. This award recognises people who promote the use of Welsh in the workplace. Finalists for the Work-based Learning Practitioner Award are Elfed Wood from Portal Training, Cardiff; Sean Williams from Sirius Skills Consulting, Mountain Ash and Sarah Bird from Clybiau Plant Cymru, Cardiff. Faith O'Brien, Cambrian Training Company's managing director, said: 'We are thrilled by the remarkable increase in both the quantity and quality of award entries this year and extend our sincere thanks to all participants. 'The upcoming awards ceremony next month promises to be a celebration of the finalists' inspiring success stories. It's an opportunity to honour not only the apprentices and employers but also everyone who has supported them on their journey. 'Together, they play an essential role in driving the Welsh economy forward, with apprenticeships serving as the gold standard for work-based learning.'
