Coleg Cambria April 2025 – we highlight three areas in which Coleg Cambria have been particularly active this past month.
Skills Competition Wales
COLEG CAMBRIA and its industry partners were in medal-winning form at this year’s Skills Competition Wales. The college secured 11 in total – three golds, five silver and also three bronze.
Gold Medals
Gold medals were achieved by Jo Arrowsmith for CNC Milling, Oliver Evans (Aircamo Aviation Ltd) for Aeronautical Engineering, and Construction Metalwork contestant James Noller.
Also finishing on the podium were Tomos Roberts (CNC Milling), Mark Wright (Welding), Dylan Fullard and Kyle Gray-Owen (IT Network Security), Rhys Mahoney (IT Support Technician), Harrison Sherlock and Callum Davies (Aeronautical Engineering), and Brooklyn Jones (Construction Metalwork).
Additionally, up to 30 Cambria representatives were ‘Highly Commended’ for attaining marks above the national average, and the college was ‘Best in Region’ for North Wales in CNC Milling. Skills Competition Lead Robert Jones was proud of the learners for their “hard work and dedication” in combining academia with apprenticeships and the demands of the competition, a Welsh Government-funded initiative coordinated by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales.
A Fantastic Achievement
“We took a group of around 120 learners into Skills Competition Wales, and they were all a credit to Coleg Cambria,” said Robert. “To win medals, given the number of students and apprentices from across the country taking part, was a fantastic achievement. They have all gained vital experience not only in their chosen disciplines but also in dealing with pressure, time management, development of transferable skills and more.”
He added: “To them, our partners in industry and all the staff and lecturers who have supported us throughout this journey, thank you.”
There was special praise for trainers Adam Youens, Carl Parrish, Anthony Commins, Simon Prince, Robert Barlow and also Jamie Mapp-Jones, whose students all received medals.
A Crucial Role
Paul Evans, Project Director at the Inspiring Skills Wales project, said: “Skills are the foundation of a thriving economy, and competitions like these play a crucial role in developing talent, raising standards, and also preparing individuals for successful careers. Congratulations to all the competitors for embracing this challenge and striving for excellence in your respective fields.”
The Cambria cohort competed against hundreds of students from Bridgend College, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Sir Gar, Coleg Y Cymoedd and Coleg Ceredigion, Gower College Swansea and Pembrokeshire College at the University of South Wales’s (USW) Newport Campus.
For more information about Skills Competition Wales and upcoming events, visit the website Skills Competition Wales – Skills Competition Wales or follow @ISEinWales on Twitter and Instagram.
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State-of-the-Art Training Kitchen
COLEG CAMBRIA launched a state-of-the-art new training kitchen in partnership with The Savoy Educational Trust.
Cutting-Edge Facility
The cutting-edge facility was part-funded by the Trust and is located alongside Iâl Restaurant in the college’s £21m Hafod building in Wrexham. Officially unveiled by Vikki Howells MS, Minister for Further and Higher Education, the “inclusive kitchen” reinforces Cambria’s commitment to deliver accessible opportunities for all and help train the next generation of professionals in the hospitality sector.
Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria, said: “We are proud to celebrate our partnership with the Savoy Educational Trust, a collaboration that has helped bring to life the state-of-the-art, inclusive training kitchen here at Yale. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in our commitment to high-quality, accessible education in hospitality and catering, ensuring all learners have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry.
“Thanks to Trust’s generous part-funding of this project, the college can now offer a modern learning environment equipped with cutting-edge facilities designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those with additional support requirements. Furthermore, by working closely with the Trust, Coleg Cambria is ensuring the next generation of hospitality professionals in North Wales and beyond receive the very best training, preparing them for rewarding careers in an evolving industry.”
“Deeply Grateful”
Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman added: “This fantastic facility will allow us to expand our offering with specialist workshops for employers and their staff, including knife skills, baking, and also sausage-making workshops. We are deeply grateful to the Savoy Educational Trust for their support in helping us elevate hospitality training to the next level.”
The Savoy Educational Trust began in 1961 and has a long history of championing education and training within the hospitality sector. As an independent charitable trust, they are committed to funding initiatives that enhance learning opportunities in catering and also hospitality, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the industry.
Hands-On Training
Through grant giving, they support projects that improve facilities, provide hands-on training, and also inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.
The Trust’s Chief Executive Angela Maher said: “We make a point of supporting high quality, accessible education that nurtures the future of hospitality and are proud to help fund Coleg Cambria’s state-of-the-art training kitchen, ensuring every learner, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to develop industry-ready skills, achieve qualifications, and be inspired to pursue a career in the hospitality sector. This project highlights our joint dedication to outstanding hospitality education and also inspiring future talent.”
Visit Savoy Educational Trust – Development of education, training and qualifications for the benefit the UK hospitality industry for more information.
Accessible Education For All
COLEG CAMBRIA showcased its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to “accessible education for all” on a visit from a leading politician.
Vikki Howells
Vikki Howells, MS, Minister for Further and Higher Education, met with Chief Executive Yana Williams and senior leaders at Cambria’s Yale site in Wrexham. Students, staff and Learner Voice and Social Partnership representatives joined them for a discussion on local and national education issues before the Minister opened a cutting-edge new training kitchen developed in partnership with The Savoy Educational Trust.
On the overall visit, Ms Williams said: “We held interesting discussions and positive talks on the impact we are having here in northeast Wales and also look forward to continuing to work together for our learners, for industry, and our communities.”
Visit cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.
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