ACT’s learners and employers recognised at Success Through Skills Awards

ACT, Wales’ largest training provider, is celebrating the achievements of its community, after nine 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. 

The awards also had categories for Jobs Growth Wales + learners, a Welsh Government initiative for 16- to 19-year-olds, providing an alternative to college or sixth form and equipping students with the core skills they need to progress into work – whether that’s as an employee or an entrepreneur. 

There was also the ACT Schools Learner of the Year category, which was won by talented musician, Harvey Liddicoat. 

Harvey’s tutors have commented on his politeness, respectfulness and his ability to ‘throw himself into challenges even if they are difficult at first’.  

This final point was demonstrated only very recently when Harvey worked with TEAM (formerly part of National Theatre Wales), writing and recording his own musical track and performing it in front of a crowd of his peers.  

This was a bold feat he repeated at Success Through Skills, not only penning an original song just for the awards but performing it solo in front of nearly 200 other guests. 

Asked about his award on the night, Harvey said:

“It feels amazing [to be recognised]. It shows the hard work I’ve put into my music and my schoolwork.”  

Harvey went on to become the big winner of the evening, winning Overall Learner of the Year. 

Another ACT learner who struck gold at the ceremony was Lisamarie Bracey who took Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion. 

Working in the education sector, Lisamarie is Responsible Person for Cylch Meithrin Trelai and Maes y Morfa and is a passionate advocate for community wellbeing and the Welsh language.  

Through her work with Flying Start and the Job Growth Wales + programme, she has supported over 40 learners, guiding many through apprenticeships and into management-level qualifications. Colleagues commented that Lisamarie has a ‘personalised, compassionate’ approach to addressing wellbeing, mental health, and social inequalities, fostering positive change for families, staff, and young people. 

A number of highly-commended apprentices also represented ACT at the awards. 

Rachel Isaac was shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year. She joined Cardiff Council as an apprentice last April and has excelled through her enthusiasm, commitment, and proactive approach to learning. Balancing her formal training with ACT and job duties, she has embraced behaviour change in the green field, representing the council in UK-wide meetings and leading projects with a climate focus.   

Two of ACT’s foundation apprentices were also recognised – Gabrielle Stapleton and Somjay Davies. 

Gabrielle has achieved qualifications in Communications and AoN, as well as Childcare — her first role in the field. She has since followed her passion for the sector, earning praise from her employer for her natural ability and exceptional dedication, particularly in supporting children with additional learning needs. 

Somjay was nominated for her dedication to her studies. English is her second language, yet she manages all childcare duties in English and is even learning Welsh songs and rhymes. She has been described as ‘a truly indispensable member of the team’ by her colleagues. 

Another big apprenticeship win for ACT came from duo Gareth Williams and Jess Poole who took silver in the Higher Apprentice of the Year award. 

The pair had already represented ACT, as well as represent Team Wales, at the WordSkills series last year, ultimately receiving a bronze medal in their accountancy field. 

They were further recognised at Success Through Skills for their incredible teamwork and dedication to their AAT qualifications. 

Nerys Hiscocks, Gareth and Jess’ AAT tutor at ACT, said: “Considering Jess and Gareth began Level 3 just over a year ago and have already competed in both Welsh Skills and World Skills, it’s incredible to see how much they’ve grown and accomplished.    

“The knowledge and skill set they brought to the competition were remarkable, and I feel that I’ve learned just as much from them as I have taught them. Both of them have bright futures ahead, and I’m so proud to have played a part in their journey.”    

Jobs Growth Wales + pupil, Benji Walker, took home silver in the JGW+ Engagement Learner of the Year category. 

Despite being initially unsure of his future, with guidance and support Benji discovered a passion for hairdressing and barbering.  

The final ACT winner of the night was Chuckles Nursery who took silver in the SME Employer of the Year category. 

The Newport nursery was recognised for its pioneering work in early childhood education and staff development. In 2023, it achieved an “Excellent” rating in all six CIW and Estyn inspection areas — an honour shared by only one other Welsh nursery.  

When it comes to apprenticeships, Chuckles has supported over 38 learners through ACT partnerships, with ten currently pursuing qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5.  

Led by manager Amy Baugh, who champions professional growth, Chuckles fosters a culture of continuous learning and excellence.  

Reflecting on the success of the organisation’s community at the awards, Managing Director at ACT, Richard Spear, said: “The incredible journeys shared by our learners and employers are a testament to the resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of upskilling. Their successes prove that apprenticeships and work-based learning can change lives.”