The Annual Prize Evening Ceremony of Coleg y Cymoedd took place at the Showcase Cinema on Monday September 18^th 2017.

Principal Judith Evans welcomed the audience, stating the Award ceremony of Coleg y Cymoedd was an important date in the college diary and an opportunity for the college to celebrate the success of its’ learners. 

With approx. 10,000 learners she congratulated the learners who had been nominated by their tutors for their achievements and also thanked family and friends who have helped them.

Coleg y Cymoedd’s Chair of the Corporation, Mr Nigel Bayford echoed the words of the Principal stating the satisfaction that he and his fellow governors take from being part of the learning journey of all its’ learners. He also took the opportunity to thank the staff for the support they offer the learners – always going the ‘extra mile’.

Members of the Senior Leadership Team and Welsh Language Officer Lois Roberts, who introduced the winners from a wide range of subject areas; with an additional award presented to the learner who had made a significant contribution to the Welsh Language throughout the year.

The awards were presented by Hollie Arnold MBE and representatives from a variety of organisations who had kindly sponsored the Awards.

The College was delighted to welcome Graeme Morgan, Master of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, who presented A Level Learner Megan Howells with her award. Megan achieved A*’s in Law, English and History and has secured a place at Queen’s College Oxford to read Law.

The two final Overall College Awards were presented to Megan Evans who received the Outstanding Achievement Award. Megan studied on the BTEC Public Services course, gaining a D* grade in every module. She has enrolled on a Police Science degree at the University of South Wales and is also training to become a Special Constable.

 Siobhan Mullan also received an Overall Award for Overcoming Barriers.  Siobhan completed her course whilst battling her illness and completed her course; achieving a Merit qualification.  Despite her illness staff felt that she had been a positive and supportive role model to other members in the group.

Addressing the audience Guest Speaker Hollie Arnold MBE thanked the college for inviting her and spoke about her athletic journey; sharing some of the ‘highs and lows’. She also took questions from the audience, emphasising the importance of the support of friends and families.

Rhiann Griffiths and Faith Jones, learners from the Performing Arts department played a key role in the nights’ ceremony; with two excellent vocal performances.

Closing the evening the Principal thanked the learners and guests and all involved with the evening, especially the sponsors who helped fund the event.

She wished the learners good luck for their future, whether continuing with their studies at Coleg y Cymoedd, progressing to university or employment”.

Grateful thanks to sponsors – Agored Cymru, Brecon Gate Projects Ltd., Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, EE, Environtec, Kier, Mott MacDonald, Tesco

View Image Gallery of the event here

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Coleg y Cymoedd has invested more than £260k in new engineering and advanced manufacturing equipment to provide state of art facilities for its learners, boosting the employment and training opportunities for apprentices across the college.

The upgrades, which were made possible thanks to a £260k Welsh Government grant, have enabled Coleg y Cymoedd to donate its existing equipment to a key local employer of apprentices in order to benefit hundreds of young people throughout the region, providing them with cutting edge facilities to develop their skills.

The college is donating a range of engineering equipment, including lathes, grinders, drills and a range of milling machines, to the Aspire apprenticeship programme – a scheme designed to boost the up-take of apprenticeships and provide aspirational opportunities for young people in Blaenau Gwent.

The equipment will be hosted at international automotive industry supplier Continental Teves in Ebbw Vale, centrally located in Blaenau Gwent to ensure all Aspire apprentices benefit.

Delivered by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council in collaboration with numerous partners including Coleg y Cymoedd, the Aspire initiative aims to tackle the region’s manufacturing and engineering skills gap and boost employment.

Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “It is important to us that our apprentices benefit from the latest industry equipment both in the classroom and during their workplace learning to best prepare them for the working world. We are therefore delighted to be able to not only improve the quality of learning and training for our learners, but to also help local businesses improve their facilities, which will undoubtedly benefit hundreds of young people both now and in the years to come.

“We’re committed to maintaining strong, collaborative working relationships with local businesses tackle high levels of employment in Blaenau Gwent and provide career pathways for our learners, helping them to secure employment once they complete their apprenticeships.”

The Aspire apprenticeship scheme, of which Coleg y Cymoedd is the leading provider, aims to fill manufacturing vacancies and produce apprentices that are work-ready. Each apprentice has a bespoke training plan, tailored according to their employer’s needs, to ensure they are best placed for the role.

Now in its third year, the programme has successfully placed 52 apprentices in 15 business across a range of industries from motor vehicle manufacturers and mechanical engineering businesses to pharmaceutical companies.

Cllr Dai Davies, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Said: “The Council and its partners continue to invest into the Aspire Apprentice Scheme. The additional investment into the equipment will enhance the skills and learning experience for the Aspire apprentices as well as a training resource available in the area for companies. The Council and its’ partners are taking steps in future proofing skills in Blaenau Gwent and helping to reduce the gap within manufacturing. If you are interested in participating in the scheme as an employer or learner, please contact us.”

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