A GRAND recognition of learners and apprentices took place recently, with 25 outstanding individuals shortlisted across nine categories, and Pembrokeshire College learners among the winners. 

The B-wbl Consortium hosted their prestigious Annual Apprenticeship and Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) Learner Awards at the Tower Hotel in Swansea on June 7.

Winners on the night were Rebecca Jones (Coleg Sir Gar); Megan Elliot (PRP Training); Cerys Dean (PRP Training); Katie Topliss (TSW Training); Ahmed Abdul Rahim (Cymru Care Training); Haidar Sharr (Pembrokeshire College); Gemma Phillips (HB Training); Steven Hughes (TSW Training) and Daniel Goddard (Pembrokeshire College).

The event was attended by learners, their families, training providers, and key stakeholders from across the region. It served not only as a celebration of individual accomplishments but also as an inspiration for future learners to strive for excellence in their educational and career pursuits.

Pembrokeshire College’s Haidar Sharr expressed his delight at winning Foundation Apprentice of the Year: “I have greatly appreciated the educational opportunities I have experienced in Wales and they will allow me to repay the welcome I have received by contributing to the economic growth of the area through my role as an engineer in a local manufacturing company. I wish every success to my fellow students at Pembrokeshire College.”

Haidar joined the College from Syria in 2017 and on arrival spoke very little English. Fast forward and he is now fluent in both English and Welsh. Alongside his apprenticeship at Consort in Milford Haven, he has his own middle eastern catering service that he manages on the weekend.

Tomorrow’s Talent winner Daniel Goddard joined in celebrating his achievement, “I am delighted to have won this award. Helping young people achieve their prospects and dreams is vital along with raising their self-esteem and worth and that is and always has been my focus. Hopefully I can inspire them to reach those goals and show them anything is possible.”

Pembrokeshire College Assistant Principal Dave Evans said: “The second B-wbl Awards Ceremony was a fantastic success, showcasing the fantastic achievement of many learners. The consortium delivers training to over 5000 apprentices and JGW+ trainees, spread across 17 out of the 22 local authorities in Wales. It is a great event to acknowledge the work of the learners and staff and the support from families and employers. We wish all our learners every success for the future.”

To find out more, visit www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk.