Leading training provider, ALS, is celebrating a hattrick of successes after learners and partner employers were hailed at last week’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.
IT Apprentice Laura Chapman and Insurance Apprentice Heledd Roberts were crowned Apprentice of the Year and Tomorrow’s Talent respectively, while Transport for Wales – whose apprenticeship scheme is delivered by ALS – won Large Employer of the Year.
Twenty-one-year-old Laura Chapman has transformed from a shy teen to confident team leader through her placement with MotoNovo Finance.
She quickly progressed from a BTEC in Professional Competence for IT Professionals to an Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web and Telecoms Professional, an ITIL Version 4 Certificate and now an ILM Level 3 in Management.
Higher Apprentice Heledd Roberts, who has been described as an ‘injection of positive energy’ by her team, has been working with FUW Insurance Services for three years.
The twenty-four-year-old joined the agricultural insurance broker during the pandemic, helping to cover multiple offices across the business.
Due to her enthusiasm, she has since been promoted to lead account handler and as well as acting account executive.
Heledd completed a Financial Services Apprenticeship within a year and is now working towards a Higher Apprenticeship in General Insurance, both delivered by ALS Training.
Transport for Wales was the big winner for Large Employer of the Year thanks to its commitment to work-based learning.
The not-for-profit company has recruited hundreds of apprentices to improve performance and long-term sustainability.
It welcomed its first cohort in 2019 and within two years introduced a UK-first programme for trainee train drivers.
The programme, delivered with ALS, has employed 189 apprentices from diverse backgrounds across 12 areas of the business.
ALS also received a nod of thanks from Anne Reardon-James, who took home the award for Work-Based Learning Practitioner of the Year.
Described as the ‘epitome of lifelong learning’, Anne was recognised for her thirst for knowledge which she shares with learners and colleagues.
While the learning advisor works for Panda Education, she helps deliver apprenticeships in Learning and Development with ALS.
Sarah John, Director at ALS, said: “Each ALS learner has their own story, their own challenges they have overcome and their own incredible successes and we’re proud of them all. Our Apprenticeship Award winners are a perfect reflection of this.
“Through the hard work and commitment of our employers and apprentices they have all been able to achieve great things and we’re so pleased that they have received national recognition for their dedication.”
