Latest news with #TastyCareersSchoolsChallenge
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.'
Western Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire school wins food product competition
Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard was named the winner of the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge for its creation of 'Mac & Caws', a macaroni pasta dish with a meat and vegetarian option. The competition, which has been running since 2018, challenges pupils to design food products and dishes that are healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. It is organised by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) Wales in partnership with the Welsh Government-funded Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme and Careers Wales. The finals took place on March 12 at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, where teams of pupils pitched their final products, including a pudding designed to look like Welsh mountains, a super smoothie, and a 'Welshake' health drink. Ysgol Bro Gwaun's 'Mac & Caws' was judged to be the best. Louise Cairns, CEO for NSAFD/Tasty Careers, said: "Congratulations to Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their outstanding performance in this year's Tasty Careers Schools Challenge. "The judges were highly impressed with all the entrants but their creation really stood out for sustainability, commercial viability – and of course, taste. "We hope that participating in this competition will inspire some pupils to consider a career in Wales' outstanding food and drink sector." This year's competition required pupils to create a new food or drink product that is healthy, sustainable, and includes as much Welsh produce as possible. Tasty Careers 2025 attracted the highest number of entrants since it started, with more than 1,200 pupils from schools across Wales taking part. Kate Rees, Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme manager, added: "It's been inspiring to witness the ingenuity of the students at the Tasty Careers Challenge. "They are undoubtedly our future foodies, and this initiative is a significant asset in cultivating talent for the industry. "The future of Welsh Food & Drink is in good hands." Aled Evans, a business engagement adviser at Careers Wales, said: "Tasty Careers is a fantastic event that encourages pupils to develop their creativity, team building and organisation skills, learn more about the food and drink sector in Wales and produce final products that they are proud of. "The challenge also broadens their aspirations and encourages them to think about their futures."
