This year Coleg Cambria students yet again showed great commitment and desire to compete in the Skills Competitions Wales competitions 2022, despite Covid-19 affecting the traditional format of the competitions. However, after facing similar constraints in the 2021 competitions, this was a seamless transition for the college and one they were more than prepared for on this occasion.
Coleg Cambria believe praise this year must go to the newer learners especially, as Rona Griffiths, Learner Experience & Enterprise Manager at Coleg Cambria highlighted;
“Learners in their first year have been asked to compete in these competitions whilst having nearly two full years of disrupted learning, and they have shown real courage and resilience to step up and take part in competitions”.
As well as all the preparation the college has undertaken, in the classrooms, workshops, salons, and kitchens, there has been plenty of competition preparation by both the learners and tutors involved.
At Coleg Cambria they can see how competitions really do give learners something to focus on, providing them with industry experience of competing to be the best. They feel that the competitions are a brilliant opportunity for students to use as a launch pad to their future careers.
Coleg Cambria have also seen huge benefits for tutors involved in the competitions, and they have since learnt that this experience is something their counterparts elsewhere in the UK are envious of. Rona Griffiths stated;
“The competitions have definitely built up strong communities of educators here in Wales and have given us solid foundations for the future of education”.
The college has witnessed their tutors aspiring to succeed not only for their own personal development, but for the benefit of the learners and the college. Coleg Cambria feels this allows the tutors to reflect on their methods of delivery and roles within the college, which only strengthens what they have to offer.
Coleg Cambria were so proud to be selected as one of the satellite host venues this year for the celebration event. Being part of the wider celebration across Wales and the ability to share the celebration with learners and their families, as well as the wider community, was an opportunity that could not be missed.
Coleg Cambria are hoping that by taking part in the celebrations, it will give them an opportunity to showcase the work that goes on within the college, and demonstrate that it is somewhere you can achieve more than simply your qualifications. The college is also hoping that by celebrating everyone who has taken part, as well as those that will hopefully be successful, it will inspire others to get involved and strive for excellence in the future.
The college also wanted to provide a short message to all that have supported and been part of this year’s competitions cycle;
“A huge, huge thank you from us, we can not tell you how proud we are of you all. To think the last two years have been so restricted at times, seeing the passion and commitment from the learners, tutors and all staff to continue to work hard and prepare for these competitions is truly incredible. These competitors are going to shape our high streets and communities in the future and we have a huge amount of respect for you all. Thank you again and good luck!”.