News Story
Feb 2026 / Learners News
Earlier this month, ACT learner, Maddy Groves, was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the annual Success Through Skills Awards.
The awards, which took place at Cardiff and Vale College, 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.
Maddy was awarded gold for her outstanding progress as an accounting apprentice. In her time on course, she has been praised for her strong academic performance as well as her commitment to championing the pathway. She has also competed in Skills Competition Wales.
Speaking about her award win, Maddy Groves said: “I feel like I’ve really been recognised for everything I put into my apprenticeship, and it’s so nice to have something to show for my hard work.
“I’ve always been extremely vocal – especially on my LinkedIn – about the value of apprenticeships in the workplace, and how it is really overlooked when people leave school after A-Levels.
“Receiving the award only reinforces my beliefs that it was the best thing to do; for me and, most likely, for many other people across Wales.”
Currently working as an Accounts Trainee, Maddy balances full-time employment with studying Level 4 AAT with ACT and the Association of Accounting Technicians qualification pathway. Her day-to-day role includes preparing year-end accounts for sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and charities. She also oversees bookkeeping, VAT returns and CIS returns.
“It’s been so helpful to be doing the same things in my studies and my work,” Maddy explained. “I feel like I can relate everything a lot better, which helps my understanding a lot.”
Her accounting journey began at Coleg Gwent, where she completed Level 2 AAT before progressing through her apprenticeship.
“I never wanted to go to university,” Maddy added. “This was my one and only path, and it has served me extremely well so far. Studying with ACT has been the best choice as the hybrid environment works so well for me.”
Maddy also received additional support from ACT staff while competing in a series of skills competitions. She explained: “I had extra sessions with tutors, and external tutors, all provided for by ACT, which helped us get a place on the podium in Welsh Skills and reach the finals of WorldSkills.”
Looking ahead, Maddy plans to complete her Level 4 AAT qualification and eventually pursue chartered status through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Asked what she would say to others considering an apprenticeship, she said: “Do it. You will not regret it one bit! It’s hard work, of course, but when you come out the other end you will be so glad that you did it.
“Learning on the job means you gain practical work experience at the same time as gaining qualifications – at the end, there is no downside.”
During the Success Through Skills Awards, Strategic Director for the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa Mytton, echoed this positive sentiment.
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.”
