More than 70 Welsh apprentices have graduated at a recent Mid Wales ceremony.

Cambrian Training Company, with its sub-contractors, have celebrated the achievements of their apprentices at the bi-annual ceremony held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd.

The graduates included friends Alex Deacon, 34, and Iain Sturdy, 37, who work as apprentice chefs for ESS-Compass, Crickhowell.

Having both achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship in Cooking  they are now progressing to a Level 3 Apprenticeship and Essential Skills qualifications.

Alex, who is dyslexic, was a kitchen porter before opting to become an apprentice chef two years ago and works with his father, Stephen, who is catering manager.

“I am passionate about cooking and what’s good about the apprenticeship is that I am learning new skills while working,” he said.

“My ambition is to become a head chef.

“The combination of having trainers helping me with both my cooking and maths skills is a powerhouse.” 

Iain opted to become an apprentice chef after being made redundant from a food factory three years ago and has no regrets about his career switch.

“I love cooking different foods and my ultimate ambition is to own a taco truck,” he said.

“I have learnt so much through my apprenticeship which has improved my cooking skills, essential skills and my career. There is no better feeling than having an instructor say your food is amazing.

“I wasn’t a good learner in school, but I thoroughly enjoy the way you learn with an apprenticeship.”

Cambrian Training Company is one of Wales’ leading work-based learning providers, delivering apprenticeships for the Welsh Government.

Faith O’Brien, managing director of Cambrian Training Company told the graduates: “Remember this day as a milestone, but not the destination.

“The skills you have gained through your apprenticeship are the tools; how you utilise them, shape them and innovate with them is up to you,” she told the graduates. 

“As you move forward, keep the spirit of learning alive, embrace challenges and remember that every experience, good or bad, is a step closer to the professional you aspire to be.”