Vale of Glamorgan Training Association celebrates outstanding work-based learners

The Vale of Glamorgan Training Association (VGTA) has celebrated 25 years of nurturing talent with a special awards ceremony to recognise its outstanding learners.

The VGTA, a subsidiary of Barry College, is the eighth largest provider of work-based learning in Wales and the largest Further Education College provider in Wales. It has apprentices based throughout Wales and has links with many local and national firms.

Apprentices from most of the sectors covered by the VGTA received awards in the annual ceremony, including apprentices who were nominated for their hard work by some of the VGTA’s seven sub contracting training providers. Prizes were given out for hard work and special achievement.

VGTA Chief Executive TI Hall said: "The VGTA group is currently training over 960 learners working with around 500 employers across Wales. The success of learner achievement is due to the dedication, commitment, and hard work of all the staff and the organisations within the VGTA group. The Annual Awards evening was made extra special this year as we are celebrating 25 years of nurturing talent.!

The ceremony, which was attended by Welsh Assembly Minister for Children, Education and lifelong learning Jane Hutt, also saw the award of NVQ Level 4 certificates to the VGTA and Barry College’s Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) learners. As well as rewarding apprentices for their hard work and determination, VGTA staff were recognised for internal achievements and several were awarded Level 4 Institute of Leadership & Management qualifications.

Among the award winners were:

Luke Williams – Mechanical Engineering Apprentice of the Year

Robert Bridge – Electrical Engineering Apprentice of the Year

Bernadette John – Children’s Care Learning & Development Apprentice of the Year

Lauren Furnish – Accounting Technician Apprentice of the Year

Oliver Dalton – Wood Occupations Apprentice of the Year

Kelly Simin – Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year

Kristopher Hillier – Electrical Installation Apprentice of the Year

John Langley – Plumbing Apprentice of the Year

Marjorie Dooley – Administration Apprentice of the Year

Jacob Bowsher – Skillbuild Level 1 Apprentice of the Year

Jennifer Morag Jones – Children’s Care Learning & Development Achievement Award

Daniel O’Shea – Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year

Thomas Evelyn – Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice of the Year

Prince’s Trust Team Programme Volunteer of the Year – Rachel Webber (Barry) & Amy Carvell (Bridgend)

Sub-contractor Apprentices of the Year:

Jennifer Griffiths Recruitment and Training Ltd – Denise Clisham

Welsh Centre for Pharmacy Professional Education – Christine Marshall

Work based Training Agency – Darol King