Kirsty Celebrates Year Of Achievement With Learners

Brecon and Radnor Assembly Member Kirsty Williams was the guest of honour as Powys Training's Ystradgynlais centre celebrated a year of achievement at its annual Presentation Day.

Eighty qualification certificates were achieved through the centre in 2005, including 12 complete Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in construction, electrical, customer service, early years care and education and motor vehicle maintenance and repair. Powys Training delivers the MAs for post-16 education and training body ELWa.

Mrs Williams congratulated all the learners on their achievements and presented certificates to the 15 who were able to attend. Other guests included local employers, with whom the trainees have found employment and representatives from Careers Wales and the Jobcentre Plus.

One of the recipients, Alan Davies, became the first learner from Powys Training to achieve a complete Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) in customer service, which included an NVQ level two, keyskills, employers roles and responsibilities and a technical certificate.

Alan, 18, who works for T. L. T. Stores in Ystradgynlais, was praised by his tutor, Kath Samuel. "When he first started, he didn't think he would be able to work his way through it," she said. "But through hard work and dedication, he has achieved his full framework and is now much more confident in his own ability."

Fellow learners Emyr Chilcott, Paul Morgan and Caren Hopton were nominated by their employers for the Powys Training Learner of the Year award in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Emyr, who works for his father's building firm in Abercraf, has achieved an MA in wood occupations with an NVQ level three.

Caren, who works at Ynyscedwyn Primary School, is working towards an MA in early years care and education with an NVQ level three while Paul, who works for Dartex, Ystradgynlais, is working towards an FMA in plastering with an NVQ level two.

Ystradgynlais training centre manager Sue Hulse said: "It was great to recognise the achievements of our learners and the presence of Kirsty Williams made it all the more special for everyone."

Picture captions:

Brecon and Radnor AM Kirsty Williams with Powys Training's learners at the presentation day in Ystradgynlais.

Brecon and Radnor AM Kirsty Williams presents a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in customer service to Alan Davies.