Education

Coleg Sir Gar students win gold

Published

7 years ago

December 5, 2017

Winners: Joshua Kerr and Adam Bedner celebrate success

AN ENGINEERING Student from Llanelli has put Carmarthenshire on the map by winning a gold medal at the Skills Show in Birmingham, the largest skills competition in the UK.

Coleg Sir Gâr HNC electronics/electrical student Adam Bedner, who is an apprentice at Gestamp in Llanelli, competed in the industrial electronics category.

Adam Bedner said: “Competitors were asked to finish a circuit board design from a schematic.

“We also had to change a printed circuit board design, undertake soldering tasks, apply skills in fault finding and repair and use C-Programming to drive the function of a drinks dispenser and amending the programme to suit various coins and fluid quantities.”

Within a two-hour ceremony which presented medals to the best competitors in the UK, Adam’s name was called amongst the gold medal winners.

Adam Bedner added: “It was a nice shock, I didn’t expect to win gold but was hoping for maybe a bronze or with a bit of luck a silver.

“However, for me it’s not just about the gold medal, it’s about the experiences of my competition journey and the people I’ve met as that goes a long way in my personal and professional career.”

Adam won a bronze medal in industrial electronics in a Skills Competition Wales event last year which secured his place at the Skills Show.

And there was double cause for celebration as Coleg Sir Gâr student Joshua Kerr won a gold medal in the inclusive skills carpentry category at the NEC where he took part in a three-hour woodworking task.

Inclusive Skills is part of the Skills Show as well as Skills Competitions Wales and is backed by the Welsh Government to celebrate vocational skills for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities to help equip them with essential life, learning and employability skills.

Joshua, who studies an entry level qualification in timber products as part of his course at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Ammanford campus said: “Being successful in this competition has made me think of all the different things I could do with a carpentry qualification, there’s so many options in the woodwork trade.”

Ian Smith entry level team leader said: “All of the staff and learners are very proud of Josh and his achievements.

“The benefits of entering skills competitions are evident to all and the success of the competitions also relies on the hard work of members of staff dedicated to working with learners, so big congratulations to all involved.”

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Richard Lewis

WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.