Crowning glory of skills training
CATHERINE OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO BECOME A STAR AWARD NOMINEE
CATHERINE Cox set her heart on becoming a hairdresser as a youngster, often helping out at her aunt’s salon.
Her career goal, though, seemed thwarted by severe dyslexia, which made academic success a challenge.
Her first steps into the Traineeship Engagement programme were stalled by her inability to master literacy and numeracy skills and when, in June 2015, she became pregnant, her hairdressing dream went on hold while she coped as a teenage mum.
However, with great tenacity and drive Catherine, from Bangor, returned to the Engagement programme in 2016, through training provider Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, and she soon moved on to Level I NVQ in Hairdressing whilst also improving her literacy and numeracy skills.
She has now been recognised as one of Wales’ star learners by being shortlisted for this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.
She will be competing to become Traineeship Learner of the Year (Engagement) at the prestigious awards ceremony at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on October 20.
Organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards are sponsored by Pear- son PLC and supported by Media Wales.
Thirty star learners, employers and learning providers, involved in the delivery of successful skills programmes across Wales, have been shortlisted for the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru. The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
The awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors who have contributed to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeship programmes.
Catherine, 19, is now working in a salon with a supportive employer who loves her energy and enthusiasm.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Traineeship Engagement team leader Eric Christie said: “Years of frustration have gone and, in return, a dynamic, confident and professional learner has been unleashed. Nothing can stop her.”
Catherine said: “The Traineeship has given me the flexibility and time to improve. I feel more confident about my learning, developing skills and employability. I want to go all the way and become a colour technician and I will.”
Skills and Science Minister Julie James said: “This year’s shortlisted entrants include exceptional individuals who have excelled in their workplace and learning providers and employers that have gone the extra mile to support the apprentices they are working with. Their stories never cease to amaze and inspire.
“Apprenticeships and vocational skills training are essential ingredients of economic success and vital tools in building a stronger, fairer and more equal Wales.
“These awards provide a perfect platform to celebrate success and reward the hard work and dedication of learners, employers and training providers across Wales. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the night.” PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY PRESSREADER PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604 ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY