GWENT employers and inspirational individual success stories were among those honoured at this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, which took place last night.

The awards ceremony brought together learners, employers and training providers from across Wales who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s traineeships, apprenticeship initiatives, and Jobs Growth Wales programme.

The Small Employer of the Year award went to family business Crimewatch Alarms Ltd and CW Electrical in Newport, which is said to have placed training and development at the top of its agenda since it was formed 30 years ago.

Lisa Marie Winter, who works for Acorn Learning Solutions, in Newport, won the Tutor of the Year award, while Traineeship Learner of the Year (engagement) finalists included Callum Jones, from Pontypool, and Oliver Chatfield, from Varteg, who both trained with Itec Skills and Employment.

Wales’ Minister for Skills and Science Julie James congratulated the winners and award finalists.

“We are proud to be delivering one of the most successful apprenticeship programmes in Europe with success rates in Wales remaining well above 80 per cent,” she said.

“Developing skilled people is vital for our economy. We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements. Equally important are the learning providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices.”