ALS’ learners and employers recognised at Success Through Skills Awards
ALS is celebrating the achievements of its community, after thirteen of its learners and employers took home prizes at the Success Through Skills Awards.
The ceremony, which took place at Cardiff and Vale College on February 6th, recognised learners and employers across Wales who have excelled in their work-based learning journey.
While the awards predominantly focused on apprenticeships and employer achievements, there were also a few categories celebrating more specific attainments. One of the first winners of the night was Jonathan Parker, who took Essential Skills Learner of the Year.
Jonathan reflected on his experience, saying:
“I was pleased to be presented with gold for Essential Skills Learner of the Year award presented by ACT/ALS as part of the Success Through Skills ceremony. Thanks to everyone at ALS for their nomination for my work in IT Solution Development, and for my work with them to develop educational resources for those with additional learning needs. I’m tremendously grateful for all their help and support. I was thrilled to be shortlisted from ONS, and to shine a light on the positive impact education programmes can have, and how these opportunities can be utilised to better help and support others.”
Foundation apprentice, Dafydd Robinson, took gold in the Foundation Apprentice of the Year category, showcasing a strong dedication to his studies that has impressed his employers. From leading projects, streamlining customer accounts, and educating staff on new technologies, Dafydd has delivered measurable results in his work. He has been noted as demonstrating ‘exceptional’ adaptability, balancing work, study, and personal challenges – without missing a beat.
Ethan Evans was also a big winner for ALS, taking gold in the Apprentice of the Year category. He was nominated for displaying ‘remarkable growth’ since beginning his ICT apprenticeship in 2022. Overcoming initial shyness, Ethan has embraced the challenge of a customer-facing role, building both his technical skills and communication abilities.
Another gold winner was Hazel Eldridge, who took Higher Apprentice of the Year. Hazel’s leadership and technical expertise have driven remarkable growth at her organisation, FUW Insurance Services. Starting as an Account Handler, Hazel has risen to Administration Manager, overseeing 32 Account Handlers across Wales. Her strategic process improvements and staff development initiatives have contributed to a £2 million increase in GPI within 12 months, including a record-breaking £2 million last October alone.
ALS’ final gold winner of the evening was Transport for Wales, who took Large Employer of the Year.
ALS and Transport for Wales have been working together to further excel apprenticeship opportunities across the country. Offering opportunities in fields like engineering, project management, IT, and HR, Transport for Wales was recognised for supporting a diverse pipeline of talent.
With a 97% apprenticeship completion rate, the organisation integrates cutting-edge technologies, robust mentorship, and flexible learning to empower apprentices. Initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion, including targeted recruitment and tailored support, ensure opportunities for all.
ALS were further represented on the night, with silver winners Mairi Richards (Foundation Apprentice of the Year), Faye Morgan (Apprentice of the Year), and Cardiff Council (Large Employer of the Year).
Highly-commended shortlisters were Kelly Hillstrip (Foundation Apprentice of the Year), Carmel Albiston (Apprentice of the Year), Alex Jehu and Jonathan Dixon (Higher Apprentices of the Year), and phs Group (Large Employer of the Year).
Reflecting on the success of the organisation’s representatives at the awards, Director at ALS, Sarah John, said: “The success stories of our learners and employers are a testament to the resilience, dedication, and transformative power of work-based learning. Their successes prove that apprenticeships can change lives on a large scale and ALS is proud to be supporting them in their endeavors.”