From life-saving road safety campaigns to national culinary competitions and award-winning adult learning success, students and staff at Coleg Cambria continue to make headlines for all the right reasons.
Recent projects and achievements across the college highlight not only academic success, but also the important role education can play in changing lives and strengthening communities.
A Powerful Message on Road Safety
One of the college’s most striking recent initiatives is the new Arrive and Alive road safety campaign, launched at the Bersham Road campus in Wrexham. At the centre of the campaign is the dramatic “Impact Plinth” sculpture, showing a car embedded into a brick wall as a permanent reminder of the devastating consequences that can follow dangerous driving decisions.
Created by lecturers and students in just one week, the installation forms part of a wider campaign supported by:
- North Wales Police
- Wrexham County Borough Council
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
The project aims to raise awareness among young drivers and encourage safer behaviour on the roads.
The campaign launch included an emotional address from Crystal Owen, whose son Harvey Owen and three friends tragically lost their lives in a crash in North Wales in 2023. Speaking directly to students, she urged young people to understand that road safety is about protecting lives, families and futures.
Culinary Success on the National Stage
Meanwhile, 16-year-old student Rya Smith has been celebrating success after finishing first runner-up in the prestigious Springboard FutureChef competition. The talented young cook first won the Wrexham heat before progressing through the Welsh finals and reaching the UK final in London.
Rya impressed judges with a creative dish built around a “star vegetable”, using a range of carrot textures including salt-baked, pickled and crisp elements. Her main course was judged the best of the day, earning praise for both technical skill and innovation.
As part of her achievement, she has secured opportunities to work with:
- Acclaimed chef Bryn Williams at his restaurant in Colwyn Bay
- The culinary team at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium
Tutors described her as dedicated, calm under pressure and exceptionally talented.
Recognition for Outstanding Determination
Another inspiring success story comes from adult learner Maryam Avazzadeh, who was named Access to HE Learner of the Year by Agored Cymru after returning to education nearly a decade after arriving in the UK.
Maryam, who completed an intensive Access to HE Health Care Diploma at the Yale campus in Wrexham, achieved distinctions across every subject while studying in her second language. She is now pursuing a future career in Dental Hygiene and continuing her studies while awaiting a university place.
Tutors praised her determination, resilience and willingness to support fellow students throughout the course. Her success has also highlighted the growing importance of Access to HE programmes in helping adults across the region return to education and build new careers.
Together, these stories reflect the broad impact Coleg Cambria continues to have across Wrexham and North Wales, supporting learners of all ages while helping develop talent, confidence and community spirit.
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