Community
Skills competitions for young people with additional learning needs
SKILLS competitions are kickstarting careers for young people with additional learning needs
Bluestone is just one business in Wales giving competitors paid job placements
Young people with additional learning needs are being given a platform to showcase their skills in a competitive environment to help secure placements in the working world.
King, Morgan and Cecily, from Pembrokeshire, are just one group of learners whose performance at Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK has helped them land paid work experience.
They are currently on a supported internship programme with major Welsh employer, Bluestone National Park Resort, having impressed the award-winning resort destination after their triumph in skills competitions.
The trio, who started out at Pembrokeshire College’s Life Skills Academy, are now gaining real work experience in a range of placements within the IT, food and beverage, retail, and housekeeping industries.
King Khamhanphon, who works at Bluestone’s café, said: “I work at the café at Bluestone and really enjoy it because of the team. I feel very supported and am currently a semi-finalist in the inclusive competition Restaurant Service category for WorldSkills UK’s National Finals. The competitions and my internship at Bluestone have helped me to develop my skills and confidence a lot.”
In Wales, inclusive competitions are funded by the Welsh Government through Skills Competition Wales and are delivered by the Inspiring Skills in Wales project. Promising competitors often go on to compete in the national competitions at WorldSkills UK.
Those interested in competing in inclusive competitions can choose to compete from a selection of 12 categories including Automotive Technology, Woodwork, Childcare, Life Skills and more.
The competitions aim to not only help improve young people’s confidence and employability skills but seek to break down barriers and help learners reach significant milestones in their personal life such as securing a job and gaining financial independence.
Emma Jones, Curriculum Manager at the Life Skills Academy, said: “We’re so proud of all our learners. It’s fantastic to see how far they’ve come since starting at the academy and at their supported internships. Learners are sometimes nervous about participating in skills competitions, but it really helps to build their confidence and often gives them the boost they needed to transition into real working environments.”
“The pride that our learners have in being an authentic contributor to their community has been truly overwhelming and we are experiencing such growth in this area of our curriculum.”
Helen John, Bluestone Academy Manager, said: “We’re committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through workplace learning and training. The Life Skills Academy supported internship initiative is one of which we’ve had particular success and was brought to our attention through the learners’ success in several skills competitions.
“Inclusive skills competitions are a brilliant way for young people who might not otherwise have had a chance to perform under pressure in a working environment before, and as a business, we have experienced first-hand the benefits of hiring people who have a fresh perspective and varied and talented skillset.”
Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, said: “Wales is showing itself to be a leading force in paving the way for opportunities for young people with disabilities and additional learning needs. I’d like to thank the learners, tutors and organisations involved in these initiatives for their hard work in helping to transform the expectations, experiences, and outcomes for so many children and young people in Wales.
“The aim of Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills is to celebrate learners’ skills and achievements while raising their employability skills, so it’s fantastic to see reputable organisations such as Pembrokeshire College and Bluestone launching these sorts of programmes together.”
West Wales volunteers recognised for efforts to improve river quality
CITIZEN scientists from across West Wales gathered at Cardigan Castle on Thursday (Mar 27) for a conference celebrating their work in monitoring and protecting local rivers.
The West Wales Nutrient Management Board (WWNMB) hosted the event, which brought together volunteers, environmental experts, and partner organisations to discuss the growing impact of community-led water quality initiatives.
Supported by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Rural Connectivity Accelerator Project, the conference highlighted the crucial role of improved digital infrastructure in enabling environmental monitoring.
Showcasing science and grassroots action
Attendees took part in hands-on demonstrations showing how water samples are analysed, using the latest techniques to detect pollution and nutrient levels. The event also addressed the limitations of current equipment, highlighting the need for accurate, reliable data collection.
Beyond the technical presentations, the day celebrated the wide range of skills that citizen scientists contribute—from data gathering to public engagement—and explored how their work influences conservation strategies and local policies.
Regional groups unite
Volunteers from across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion—including those involved in Save the Teifi, Achub y Tywi and the Cleddau Project—shared experiences and discussed the shared challenges of river monitoring.
Angela Towler, a dedicated volunteer, said: “Being a citizen scientist is about more than just collecting data—it’s about taking action to protect the places we care about. The conference is an example of how the NMB has helped to give citizen scientists a voice. It’s been an incredible opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about improving our rivers.”
Support for future progress
Councillor Clive Davies, Chair of the Nutrient Management Board and Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, praised the dedication of volunteers.
He said: “It is inspiring to see so many committed individuals working to protect our rivers. Citizen scientists play a vital role in identifying pollution sources and providing the data needed to shape policy. Today’s event highlights the real difference their efforts are making.”
The WWNMB said it will continue to support local groups and encourage new volunteers to join the effort to restore and protect river ecosystems across the region. Their work is backed by the Welsh Government, which has funded several key initiatives in recognition of the importance of preserving the region’s natural heritage.
How to get involved
The Teifi Nutrient Monitoring (TNM) Project is now looking for more volunteers in 2025. Anyone interested in testing water, checking for pollution, and learning more about environmental protection is encouraged to take part.
To explore citizen science data and dashboards, visit:
Teifi Citizen Science Monitoring and Dashboard
The TNM Project is funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Ceredigion County Council’s Cynnal y Cardi team in partnership with the WWNMB. It is also supported by the DSIT-funded Rural Connectivity Accelerator Project.
To join the Teifi Nutrient Monitoring Project, email: NMB@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
A LARGE police response was launched in St Florence on Sunday morning (Apr 6) following reports of a missing child.
Emergency services, including multiple police vehicles and a helicopter, were seen speeding to the quiet Pembrokeshire village shortly after 10:00am with sirens sounding.
The Herald understands that the missing person was a six-year-old girl, and that officers began immediate door-to-door inquiries in an effort to locate her.
One local resident said: “Police knocked on my door at around 10:30am saying a six-year-old was missing and they were concerned. They were asking for any information and knocking on all the properties.”
Another witness added: “I saw a police helicopter just after ten-o-clock in the morning. There was so much police activity— so many police cars.”
Fortunately, the girl was found safe and well a short time later.
Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police posted an update on social media, saying: “There has been a large police presence in St Florence this morning following a report of a missing person.
“We can confirm that the person has been located safe and well.
“Thank you to the local community for their support and patience.”
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s Building Control Team is congratulating local building and design projects for success in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024.
The LABC Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the building control sector.
They celebrate buildings and design teams that have overcome the challenges of complex technical and construction issues and put the spotlight on innovative and creative building work.
In Pembrokeshire, D & O Construction Ltd, Julian Bishop Architect, Redstone Architecture and AB Rogers & Son Ltd, Hayston Development & Planning Ltd all achieved success on some high profile local projects.
In the Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024, Berry Lodge, Newport won the Best Residential Extension in Wales prize with work carried out by D & O Construction Ltd and with agents Julian Bishop Architect and Redstone Architecture.
Highly Commended was the development at Plas Y Castell, Llawhaden, carried out by AB Rogers & Son Ltd and Hayston Development & Planning Ltd.
The Berry Lodge development then went forward to the Grand Finals at Grovesnor House in London where the top projects across the UK were celebrated.
Council Building Control Manager Sam Goodwin said: “Building Control is delighted to work on these projects which highlight the skill and innovation of developers locally.
“Pembrokeshire County Council Building Control is proud to be part of LABC Awards. The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards were set up to celebrate excellence achieved through high building standards, technical innovation and sustainable designs.
“The Awards are an opportunity for the industry to celebrate good building practice and winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local Council building control teams achieve high quality, sustainable buildings.
“The awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across the industry and it is great to see local contractors, agents and designers within Pembrokeshire receive recognition in achieving these standards.”
If you would like to contact Building Control at Pembrokeshire County Council, please contact Building Control via the website www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/building-control or alternatively contact 01437 764551
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