Learners and employers honoured at Success Through Skills Awards

On Thursday night (February 5th) training providers ACT and ALS hosted their second Success Through Skills Awards at Cardiff and Vale College.  

The annual awards, which launched last year, celebrate learners, tutors, employers and businesses who have helped promote work-based learning across Wales.  

The awards were created to recognise the importance of apprenticeships and work-based learning, not just as a valid education and career pathway for individuals but as an operational tool for employers.  

The event, which comprised a total of 14 award categories, was hosted by multi-award-winning journalist, Will Hayward.  

Among those recognised were apprenticeship learners, learners from the Welsh Government’s 16-to-19 programme Jobs Growth Wales, as well as pupils at ACT’s independent Schools provision.  

Employers were recognised for their contribution to upskilling internally, as well as offering placements to learners at the start of their career journey. There was also a special ‘Valued Partner’ award for organisations who have offered their time and resources to provide enrichment days for young learners on the Jobs Growth Wales + programme. 

Speaking at the event was Strategic Director for the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa Mytton, who had also acted as an independent judge for the awards’ nominations. 

During her speech, Lisa impressed the importance of work-based learning not just for individuals but for the economic health of Wales, she said:

“Events like this shine a light on what really drives Wales forward – the talent, commitment and ambition of our learners, employers, and training providers.  

“Apprenticeships are central to that progress. They give people the chance to build real careers, they give employers the skilled workforce they need, and they strengthen the Welsh economy from the ground up. When we invest in apprenticeships, we invest in Wales’ future.” 

The full list of Success Through Skills 2026 winners: 

Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Bronze – Christine Beale
Silver – Lowri Evans
Gold – Ifeoluwa Anipupo

Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement Learner of the Year 

Highly Commended – Sean Murphy
Bronze – Jack Jones
Silver – Logan Harrison
Gold – Courtney Ali  

Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement Learner of the Year
Highly Commended – Tia Montanari
Highly Commended – Gwen Jenkins
Bronze – Kia Richards
Silver – Jessica Waite
Gold – Logan Langmead

Jobs Growth Wales+ Employers of the Year
Bron Afon
Little Inspirations Nurseries

Valued Partners
Jenna Murphy Art
Down to Earth

Foundation Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended – David Boyle
Bronze – Millie Evans
Silver – Lisa Isgrove
Gold – Olivia Ampleford   

Apprentice of the Year
Highly Commended – Lauren Gunning
Bronze – Michelle Mclachlan
Silver – Poppy Wright
Gold – Maddy Groves  

Higher Apprentice of the Year 

Bronze – Kelly Beaumont
Silver – Darren Sweeney
Gold – Jess Poole  

Small Employers of the Year 

Atkins Accountancy
MS Group  

Medium Employers of the Year
Midway Transitional Solutions
Welsh Rugby Union

Large Employers of the Year
Innovate Trust
Legal and General 

Professional Development Employers of the Year
The Royal Mint
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

New Employer Partners of the Year
Eden Nursery
Admiral Group
Sacyr