From a Llay learner who once dreaded answering the phone to students seeing their films on the big screen, there’s lots to celebrate at Coleg Cambria. This month, we also look at bespoke training helping employers put staff wellbeing first. Here’s the latest news from the college.
Coleg Cambria’s Learner of the Year
Yaser Iranshahi, originally from Iran and now living in Llay, was once very nervous about speaking English. He even avoided answering the phone. After studying Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and IT at Cambria, he was named Yale Learn English Learner of the Year 2026.
He won the award not only for his progress but also for his positive impact on the department. His tutors said he uplifted students and staff with his kindness and commitment to inclusion. They also praised the empathy he showed when he helped translate for a student in distress.
“Before I started at Cambria, I was very nervous about speaking English,” said Yaser. “Now I have much more confidence. I answer the phone with confidence, and I also have more confidence to apply for jobs and go to job interviews.”
Next Stop: Engineering
Now Yaser is taking another big step, having enrolled on the Level 2 Diploma in Engineering at the Bersham Road site. His journey was celebrated as part of Adult Learners’ Week. The annual campaign shows how returning to education can change people’s lives.
“I never believed that after so many years I would be able to sit in a classroom again,” he said. “The support from the teachers and staff made me enjoy learning and gave me more motivation.” He thanked his wife and his teachers Ceri Thomas, Sarah Ashley, Hazal Ayaz and Helena Sperring.
Receiving the prize in front of his family was an emotional moment. “The best part was receiving the award in front of my wife and children,” said Yaser. “I hope my story can encourage other adults who are thinking about going back into education.”
Healthy Workforce, Stronger Business
Meanwhile, Cambria for Business is helping employers across the region put staff health and wellbeing first. It delivers flexible training in mental health, stress management, menopause awareness, suicide awareness and workplace wellbeing. Courses include Mental Health First Aider Wales, NEBOSH Managing Stress at Work and Understanding Menopause in the Workplace.
Employers to benefit include Tata Steel, Toyota, Kingspan, Kronospan and Theatr Clwyd. Wrexham firms Fibrax and Woodlands Ltd are on the list too. Training can take place at an employer’s premises or at Yale, Deeside, Northop or Llysfasi.
Gari Thomas, Employer Engagement Manager, said, “We are here to listen to employers, understand what they need and then work with our curriculum teams. That way, we can put together training which delivers for their organisation and their people.” Claire Williams, Curriculum Director for Health, Social Care and Childcare, added that the focus is on practical training people can use at work.
Wrexham Employers Share Their Experience
Fibrax, a Wrexham manufacturer of polymeric components, first approached the college for help with employee welfare last year. Manufacturing Director Kevin Rimmer said, “Their response was truly excellent. We greatly value our relationship with the Coleg Cambria team and would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Woodlands Ltd provides specialist care, education and therapeutic support for young people. Training and Development Lead Craig Williams said, “Our experience with Coleg Cambria has been overwhelmingly positive. All our staff, including myself, feel well supported whenever we engage with the college.”
Better still, eligible Wrexham employers can access up to 100% subsidised training. That’s through the Supporting Employability and Skills in Wrexham project, backed by the Local Growth Fund. To find out more, email [email protected].
Student Films on the Big Screen
Four films by Coleg Cambria students were selected for the fifth Phantasmagoria Horror Film Festival in Cefn Mawr. The Student Showcase opened the three-day festival at George Edwards Hall. It brought the students’ work to a wider audience alongside local and independent filmmakers.
Charley Walker’s The Forrest and Kaz Parry’s The Cellar were among the four productions chosen. More than 15 fellow students came along to support them. For Charley, local production companies were so impressed that they offered her a meeting about future projects.
“It was pretty cool to see my name on the big screen!” said Charley. “Being able to speak to people in the industry really cemented my passion for Media and Film.” Festival host Marc Brimfield added, “This is their first stab at filmmaking and already shows such quality.”
“A Successful, Joyful Evening”
Laura Jones, Lecturer in Media and Film and Curriculum Lead at Yale Sixth, said everyone was proud. “It was such a successful, joyful evening and we were so proud to see the students’ films up there on the big screen,” she said. “For most of them, this is their first real experience of filmmaking, so having their work selected was a huge moment.”
The showcase also gave current AS Level Media students a taste of what’s possible. “When can we start this project? I have so many ideas, I am storyboarding my shoot in my head already,” said Ellie May Randles. Clearly, the next generation of filmmakers is ready to go.
Now in its fifth year, Phantasmagoria is Wrexham county’s only dedicated horror film festival. For more news and course information, visit the Coleg Cambria website. There’s something for learners of every age.
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