Seven apprentices from Gower College Swansea have been recognised by the prestigious Worshipful Livery Company of Wales for their academic and personal achievements.
The awards were presented during a special ceremony held at the College’s Tycoch Campus by Paul Kift, Principal of Gower College Swansea, Master Henry Gilbert and Angharad Beynon from the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales.
Independent Living Skills (ILS) learners Rhys Cole, Rhys Gwyther-Evans, Matthew Taylor and Taylor Bater all successfully completed a Level 2 Facilities Management supported apprenticeship with Swansea Bay University Health Board, demonstrating that when inclusive education is paired with meaningful opportunities, learners with additional needs can thrive.
Apprentice Leon Lezzi, working with Swansea Council, first started out with ambitions of becoming an electrician, but that dream was interrupted by redundancy. Instead of giving up, he adapted, working in building services, operating heavy machinery and building a family life while never letting go of his goal.
Legal apprentice Ruby Shadrach, of JCP Solicitors, progressed from the College’s A Level provision into a competitive apprenticeship and has since become an inspiring role model for anyone taking a non-traditional route into law, showing that determination, passion and curiosity can open doors to success.
Sonny Desmond from J Lynch Building is an exceptional construction apprentice whose commitment and attitude set him apart. Highly skilled and demonstrating workmanship well above the expected standard, he is also an outstanding role model for other apprentices.
Master Henry Gilbert from the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales said:
“It is a privilege to recognise these outstanding apprentices from Gower College Swansea. Their dedication, resilience and commitment to developing their skills represents the very best of Welsh talent and the future of industry in Wales.”
Angharad Beynon added:
“Congratulations to not only the learners, but also to the staff at the College for all the support and encouragement they have given each award winner. The achievements of these incredible students demonstrate exactly what is possible when Wales invests in its learners.”
The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales was initially formed as the Welsh Livery Guild in 1993 by members of the City of London Livery Companies who wished to extend Livery traditions within Wales, nurture Welsh talent, and support education, science and technology while promoting skills and associated professional activities across the country.
Gower College Swansea Principal Paul Kift said:
“We are incredibly proud of these apprentices and everything they have achieved. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales for their continued support and recognition of our learners.”