Ros Smith and Emily Wintle Win at Prestigious National Awards

Inspirational ACT practitioner Ros Smith and determined learner Emily Wintle scooped awards in their respective categories at the Apprenticeships Awards Cymru held in Celtic Manor Resort on Friday.

Emily, 18 from Llanharry, and Ros, 43 from Pontypridd, were among eleven award winners to be recognised as Wales’ top learners, practitioners and training providers.

Reacting to her win, Ros said: “I am extremely proud to be named Work-based Learning Tutor of the Year. I’d like to thank everyone who has believed in me and helped me get to where I am today.”

Our lead motor vehicle tutor Ros Smith has been changing the lives of her learners throughout her 23 year career in people training. Ros had helped transform our Motor Vehicle Traineeship programme, with 96% of learners progressing onto further learning or employment (nationally 90% is considered excellent).

We’re also excited that childcare learner Emily Wintle won Traineeship Learner of the Year (Level 1) at this year’s awards. A very determined young woman, Emily has overcome severe dyslexia and other knockbacks on her way to completing her traineeship and becoming a valued member of St Aubin Nursery in Cowbridge.

Overwhelmed by her success, Emily said: “Winning the award was a complete shock – I am lost for words! I’ve gone through so much to achieve my qualification that being recognised like this is a real confidence boost.”

Furthermore, a massive well done from ACT to our finalists Megan Hession and Emma Huggins who also attended the Celtic Manor ceremony on Friday. We are proud of the achievements of all four women who have gone above and beyond in their work. They thoroughly deserve this national recognition.

Congratulating all the award winners and finalists, Julie James, Skills and Science Minister, said: “This year’s finalists 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. Each has helped to set a gold standard in vocational training and this should be applauded.

“Apprenticeships are an essential ingredient of economic success and a vital tool in building a stronger, fairer and more equal Wales. The Welsh Government, with support from the European Social Fund, regards apprenticeships as an excellent way to build a skilled and competitive workforce, address skills shortages and strengthen the Welsh economy.

“Increasing higher level skills and developing skills pathways that benefit the whole of Wales has never been more important and we are committed to continuing the good work already underway with businesses, training providers and individuals to achieve this.”

Winners videos:

Finalist videos: