All posts by Lisa Baker

News

ILS students bag permanent jobs with leading supermarket following placement programme

STUDENTS with learning difficulties bagged permanent roles at a leading supermarket chain.

Following a successful internship and work experience programme over the last year, Asda announced they have offered learners permanent positions at the store in Queensferry.

Coleg Cambria and Asda’s Supported Internship Programme launched last summer and has been a huge success to date.

In partnership with charity DFN Project Search, the retailer’s Queensferry store took on a group of Cambria’s ILS (Independent Living Skills) learners, providing full-time work experience on the shop floor and in the warehouse.

Following a successful placement, Asda have offered paid roles to Leah Aldridge, Cai Jones, Laura Woodward, Daniel Hodson and Courtney McGarry.

Leah, from Connah’s Quay, said: “It is good to have been offered the job, I work hard and have learnt how to do tasks and work with my colleagues.

“I feel part of the team and I am really enjoying my role. Now I have a paid job I can buy things I like out of my wages and have a lot less stress over money as I did before.”

DFN Project Search aims to support 10,000 young adults with a learning disability, or autism spectrum condition (or both) into paid employment by 2030 and has already helped more than 2,000 people to date.

From September, Asda Queensferry will take on a group of eight learners annually to support the programme and further strengthen its position as a diverse and inclusive employer.

Store manager Adele Quinn said: “We have seen a big change in all our interns since they joined in October last year, they have rotated around a range of departments working with their colleagues on the shop floor to gain the hands-on skills they need, they are trained to use our equipment and can do this with ease and confidence.

“They complete all different tasks from scanning, creating home shopping orders, helping with getting products on the shop floor, to serving customers on the tills.

“We are delighted the programme has been so successful, and our interns have gained employment.

“This demonstrates that programmes like this really do make a difference to people within our communities and we look forward to welcoming eight more learners to the Asda Queensferry family this September.”

Cambria’s Employability Mentor Becs Hitchen-Rielly added: “We are so proud of the learners for their dedication and commitment to the programme.

“They are now reaping the rewards and on the way to successful careers in retail.

“We are thankful to Asda and DFN Project Search for this opportunity and future opportunities for our ILS students.

“This has shown them there are so many possibilities out there, that with confidence and support they can go on and have happy, successful lives.

“Importantly, they have loved every minute of working and gaining experience in such a warm, welcoming environment, making new friends and colleagues – it’s been an amazing experience for them, and we look forward to more learners joining them in the future.”

Asda’s Supported Internship programme is recruiting now for September and is designed to support learners locally with additional needs and disabilities to gain hands-on skills to move into employment. If you are aged 16-25, hold an EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) or LSP (Learning Support Plan) and want to know more contact ILS@cambria.ac.uk or watch this video: 16-9 – Internship Queensferry on Vimeo.

For more news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.dfnprojectsearch.org for more from DFN Project Search.

News

Top 5 school unveils ‘garden classroom’ for pupils with additional learning needs

CHILDREN with additional learning needs are thriving thanks to innovative methods and investment at a top secondary school.

Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay has redeveloped its curriculum and facilities for ALN pupils, including the construction of a new accessible outdoor learning space and ‘garden classroom’.

The school secured grants of £40,000 via a £20m Welsh Government capital funding scheme, allocated to improve the inclusivity of teaching environments, create quiet or sensory areas, upgrade or purchase new equipment and for works to improve additional provision for young people with ALN and/or disabilities.

Ysgol Eirias – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table, and winner of the Secondary School of the Year title at the North Wales Education Awards – has created a safe, secure hub for its students, as well as revisiting and redeveloping the curriculum to offer a more bespoke, tailored approach.

Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator Liz Gunby said: “Pre Covid we began exploring and identifying the areas we could improve and expand our ALN provision.

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic we continued to make great strides in upgrading our MLD (Moderate Learning Disability) base and adapting timetables to meet the pupils’ needs and requirements, because there is no one size fits all system.

“That has included the introduction of more life skills, more of a focus on health and wellbeing and trying to bridge the gaps that became even more prevalent during lockdown and beyond.”

Reflecting on the new outdoor development, she added: “Demand for ALN support has risen so we have increased the number of staff and resources to meet that, including a Wellbeing Officer and a Nurture Coordinator.

“We have also increased the number of rooms we have and introduced the outdoor space and classroom, which has been a breath of fresh air.

“Developing these safe, diverse spaces for ALN and Inclusion has given the pupils a place to learn but also to enjoy nature and be active during movement breaks, helping them to focus and concentrate on mindfulness, to feel centred and calm via sensory input.”

Learners will create garden furniture, tables, and benches as part of classes, and other equipment includes a cross trainer, rowing machine, leg press, pull-up bars and more.

“That pushing/pulling movement helps, and yoga techniques and breathing for children who have sensory processing issues, notably those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder),” said Ms Gunby.

“Proprioceptive input helps them to understand where their body is and what it should be doing, so these ‘heavy work’ activities will be very beneficial mentally and physically.”

Deputy Headteacher Drew McKenzie added: “For ALN pupils it can be quite intimidating and daunting being surrounded by four walls all day, so the outdoor learning space and garden classroom is a much more proactive and accessible alternative.

“The children absolutely love it, it gives them an escape and even just being out in the fresh air helps, using the wildlife and nature as part of lessons.

“At Ysgol Eirias we know the value of empathy, encouragement and building relationships and trust to unlock their potential and support these students as much as possible on their educational journey, which is why we are trying to provide them with the belief they can go on and be successful in whatever they choose to do in the future.

“That’s a huge priority for us, and always will be.”

For the latest news and information from Ysgol Eirias, visit www.eirias.co.uk and follow them on social media.

News

Guests at luxury palace retreat can now stay in lodges designed by stars of hit TV show

VISITORS to a luxury holiday retreat in the grounds of a world heritage site can stay in exclusive accommodation remodelled by stars of a popular TV show.

The grand finale of BBC’s Interior Design Masters series – watched by up to 2.8m viewers – saw contestants Roisin Quinn and Matt Smith-Wood revamp two high-quality cabins at Darwin Escapes’ picturesque Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

The park has been a huge hit with families across the UK since opening last summer, and now looks set to attract even more customers, including fans of the hit programme fronted by comedian Alan Carr and judge Michelle Ogundehin.

Featuring a selection of one, two and three-bedroom self-catering lodges, the retreat is nestled within more than 2,000 acres of countryside and gardens, just a stone’s throw from the 320-year Palace, home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Resort Manager Simon Oliver says the impact of Interior Design Masters will reinforce a strong first year at the picturesque landmark.

“We have had a great start to life at Blenheim Palace, the feedback has been brilliant and visitor numbers look set to rise further, especially given the success of the TV series,” he said.

“That coupled with the increase in bookings we receive when events are held here, and the growing name of Darwin Escapes in this region, point to a successful summer and beyond.”

Simon added: “The two lodges redesigned by Matt and Roisin look incredible, they are very different and bespoke to varying tastes, from the furniture to the interior, decoration, and layout.

“Given their prominence in the final I’m sure fans of the series will be keen to book them, so that’s an added USP for this site.”

The final was won by Roisin, from Wirral, who was praised by judges – including renowned US potter Jonathan Adler – for creating a “joyous, memorable and delightful” lodge, a “fresh and very optimistic space”.

Her design included leafy wallpaper, glass pendants, mid-century dining furniture, sunshine yellow décor, bold soft furnishings, and an outdoor dining area to create what she herself described as “a colourful, cosy cabin in the woods”, a “magical space, a wonderland”.

Runner-up Matt, from Cheltenham, took a more contemporary approach with “nods to Blenheim Palace”, and his ideas featured traditional-style panelling, a gold leaf and mono kitchen, a plush rug, gold velvet sofa, modern chandeliers, and an external lounge area.

Both were tasked with “designing holiday lodges fit for royalty” and managed to achieve their goals in just two days with a budget of £6,000.

Following years of development and significant investment, Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat opened last August and now employs eight people from the local area.

The lodges were built with sustainability a priority, they are fitted with electric vehicle charging points and a quarter are pet friendly.

“There’s so much to do in this part of the world and of course the Palace is busy all year-round, so this is the perfect place to visit when exploring Oxfordshire,” said Simon.

“As viewers of the TV show witnessed, it’s a very special place, and I’m sure more and more people will come to see that for themselves in the months and years ahead.”

Heather Carter, Managing Director at Blenheim Palace, added: “It was a great pleasure and a lot of fun to have Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr film with us at Blenheim Palace in September last year. They were here for five days filming both at the Palace and the lodges, and we managed to keep it secret until the big reveal on BBC1.

“We have a lot of filming here at the Palace and it gives us great reach into new audiences, we know that being featured on such a popular programme as Interior Design Masters will entice more people to visit the Palace and book one of the lodges.”

For more information and to book, visit Luxury retreat holiday lodges Oxford | Blenheim Palace (darwinescapes.co.uk) and follow them on social media at @darwinescapes.

To win a free midweek break for up to four people at one of the lodges designed by Matt or Roisin, and tickets to Blenheim Palace, visit the website: Enter here | Interior Design Masters | Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat (darwinescapes.co.uk).  

News

Young engineers dig generous donation from manufacturing giant

STUDENTS dig a generous donation that will help train future generations of engineers in North Wales

Wrexham-based JCB Transmissions presented staff and learners at Coleg Cambria with parts and equipment, including motors, gearboxes, transmissions, and axles from excavators, loaders, and diggers.

Carl Roberts, Cambria’s Director for Curriculum – Engineering at the college’s Bersham Road site, thanked the company for the machinery, which will be used to train cohorts on the Motor Vehicle and Engineering programmes.

“We are very grateful for this kind donation, the equipment will be invaluable in allowing our learners to be hands-on and work closely with a range of high-quality machinery,” he said.

“The company even brought us a complete JCB engine, which is fantastic and provides us with an alternative to studying more traditional car and motorcycle engines.”

Carl added: “JCB has long been a supporter of Coleg Cambria, like us they want to promote and help produce more skilled apprentices and engineers for the sector.

“A contribution such as this will play a huge role in us achieving that.”

One of the UK’s largest manufacturers, JCB Group employs more than 8,000 people at its factories in Staffordshire, Derby, and on Wrexham Industrial Estate.

JCB Transmissions Operations Director Craig Weeks was pleased to be able to help lay the foundations for learners and apprentices at Cambria.

He said: “JCB Transmissions supports local schools and colleges in a variety of ways, and we are delighted to assist Coleg Cambria by donating equipment which will help with the training of the next generation of engineers and motor vehicle technicians.

“Among the items donated were gear boxes, axles and electrical motors which can now be stripped down and rebuilt to help students get a broader understanding of mechanics and electrical engineering.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses available at Coleg Cambria.

For more news and information from JCB Group, visit the website: www.jcb.com.

News

Balloon spectacular and live acts added to epic line-up at summer festival

BOLESWORTH CASTLE is reaching for the skies with a new attraction to be launched this summer.

Spectacular hot air balloon flights and displays will form part of the epic and much-anticipated Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, which runs from June 6-16.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cheshire Balloon Fiesta – which took place at the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate, near Chester and Wrexham, in 2023 – Bolesworth has added the adrenaline-fuelled activity to its line-up on the weekend of June 14-16.

The action-packed programme will include more than 20 balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, ‘Meet the Pilot’ and ‘Basket and Burners’ sessions and spectacular night glow demonstrations that will light up the evening sky.

Balloon Launches and Night Glows will be taking place on the evenings of Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) with great views from the Live Music Stage. Campers that rise early may also catch the morning flights on Saturday and Sunday (June 15-16).

As Managing Director Nina Barbour and the team put the final touches to this year’s lifestyle and equestrian festival – presented by the globally renowned Al Shira’aa stables – tickets are already selling fast ahead of what looks like being their biggest and best event yet.

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured the hot air balloons for the final weekend of this summer’s Bolesworth International,” said Nina.

“They are always very popular with the crowds here so introducing them to what’s already a stellar series of activities and attractions will go down – or up! – very well with visitors.

“We will actually have more hot air balloons and displays than ever before so it’s going to be a special addition to this year’s celebrations.”

And the highs don’t stop there; the line-up will also feature some of the top names in international showjumping, special VIP and celebrity guests, family entertainment, dog-friendly activities, ringside hospitality and more.

Among the star music guests performing live on Friday and Saturday (June 14-15) will be electronic duo Phats and Small, and there will be appearances by Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band, and the Ultimate Party Mixtape Set with 80s party outfit, Coyote. More acts will be announced in the near future.

There is also the opportunity to pitch up and stay a little longer by camping on-site, with availability from June 13-16.

Among other highlights will be the return of Ben Atkinson and his stunt horses, the Hybrid/EV driving zone, freestyle motocross displays, shopping village, the Champagne Enclosure, a new land and rural business day, Women in Business and Ladies Day, Bolesworth Elite Auction and much more.

“Every year we push the boundaries in uniting the world of equestrianism with entertainment, live music and adrenaline-fuelled activities,” said Nina.

“This year is no exception, in fact it’s the best yet! So be sure to book your tickets soon – don’t miss out.”

Bolesworth has Spring saver prices, with up to 50% off until May 31.

To book your tickets and for the latest news and information about events at Bolesworth, call 01829 782210 or visit www.bolesworth.com/international.

Alternatively, email info@bolesworth.com and follow them on social media at @bolesworth.

For more information about partnerships, trade stands, and hospitality, contact melanie@bolesworth.com

News

Fearless fundraisers to scale their biggest challenge yet for children’s hospices

FEARLESS fundraisers are about to take on their biggest ever feat for a transformative children’s charity.

A group of lecturers and staff led by Karl Jackson, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham, are aiming to complete the Skye is the Limit Challenge next month (May).

Over recent years they have taken on the Welsh Three Peaks and the Crazy 7 for Stepping Stones North Wales and collected more than £1,000 for Menstrual Health Project (MHP) by completing the Cairngorm 4000s, a three-day hike across 4,000ft+ mountains in Scotland’s eastern highlands.

Karl and lecturer Paul Standring also conquered the four-day Freezing Fingers expedition in bleak, wintry conditions over the Rhinogydd mountain range in Snowdonia.

This time the team is raising money for Hope House/Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices and targeting another £1,000 by overcoming their greatest adventure yet.

“We will be driving for more than 12 hours in a minibus through the night before arriving at Skye and then walking for more than three days across the island, with no accommodation,” said Karl.

“Everything we have will be packed in 20 kilo bags on our backs – including tents, food and water – so it’s an incredibly tough challenge but one we will be ready for.”

He added: “The walk is not marked out and the terrain will be very difficult but as usual, we will train hard and prepare well. This is the most difficult and uncompromising task we’ve ever given ourselves, so the stakes are higher than ever.

“We are already receiving donations and are so grateful for the support; hopefully our amazing industry partners and local businesses will get behind us and help to raise as much as we possibly can for this incredible charity.”

Hope House/Tŷ Gobaith area fundraiser for Wrexham Bethan Young thanked Coleg Cambria for its unwavering support over past years.

“We are so grateful to Karl and the team from Bersham Road for taking on this incredible feat up in Skye, it takes real commitment, and they are very brave,” she said.

“We will be thinking of them every step of the way and know they will do brilliantly.”

Bethan added: “Every penny they raise will go directly to the care and support of seriously ill local children and their families – good luck!”

The organisation provides vital care and support for children with life-threatening conditions and has two hospices and 15 shops across Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales helping to raise the £7.5 million needed to fund care for every child in need.

To sponsor Karl and the team please visit their JustGiving page: Karl Jackson is fundraising for Hope House & Ty Gobaith (justgiving.com).

Visit www.hopehouse.org.uk for the latest news and information from Hope House/ Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

News

Welsh business hub opens fourth shop and support centre to meet retail demand

A BUSINESS hub and trading space in the heart of Newtown will attract visitors from across the region.

Launching the new Cymorth Busnes Lleol / Local Business Support programme at Bear Lanes Shopping Centre, Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams and local councillor David Selby declared it a “brilliant addition” to the area.

The Broad Street retail unit and start-up support centre is the fourth unveiled by Antur Cymru Enterprise in just 18 months and follows Aberystwyth, Cardigan, and Newcastle Emlyn.

Among those already operating from the premises are Peony Green bespoke lampshades, Awaken Spiritual Wellbeing and Home Décor, and Josie’s Creations handmade jewellery, whose founder Josephine Stephens says having a dedicated team of mentors and advisors just next door helps build confidence in their fledgling ventures.

“I had always enjoyed crafting but with the help and advice of Antur Cymru feel I am able to take it forward as a business,” said Josephine.

“We are all able to bounce ideas off each other and try out different things knowing they are there to give feedback, encouragement, and offer guidance on what works and what doesn’t.”

Debbie Williams of Colourburst Jewellery, added: “In the few weeks since joining the space we have had a positive response from customers, it’s a fantastic location and will hopefully contribute to an increase in footfall at the centre.”

Lauren Garbutt, owner of Seren Handmade business logos and workwear echoed those words and, with the support of husband Josh and their three children, and mum Jill – who will work at the shop once a week – is excited to see how the space develops.

“We only started trading a year ago, so this is a great next step for us, the chance to engage with new customers and have the safety net of Antur Cymru’s brilliant team next door,” she said.

“They have given me advice, and a place here at the shop, which I’m really grateful for – we look forward to seeing what the future brings.”

Funded by UK Government and driven by Levelling-Up via Powys County Council, the programme also encourages local entrepreneurs and existing companies of all sizes to get in touch and capitalise on available grants and training opportunities, mentoring, and extra support on a wide range of topics to take their businesses to the next level, including marketing, exports, sustainability, and diversification.

Cllr Selby welcomed Local Business Support via his role as Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys.

“Starting a new business is both risky and hard work but potentially rewarding, and this scheme has the capacity to remove some of the risk by providing exposure to new markets and customers, literally a shop window for growth,” he said.

Project Manager Julie Morgan added: “We have had such a warm welcome from both customers and other businesses in Newtown, which has been fantastic.

“We will continue to work with start-ups, independent businesses and entrepreneurs and give them a platform to sell their products and lay the foundations for a successful future, which in turn will have a long-lasting effect on the local economy here in Powys.”

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website www.anturcymru.org.uk and follow them on social media at @AnturCymruWales.

Alternatively, call 01239 710238 or email info@anturcymru.org.uk.

News

Thrilling new water park to create jobs and make waves in seaside town after planning green light

A THRILLING new aqua park will create jobs, attract visitors, and boost the economy in a seaside town.

Sblash has been given the green light by Conwy’s planning authority and is already making waves in Penmaenmawr.

Owners James and Debbie McAllister – who have decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry – are transforming Graiglwyd Springs Fishery into an inflatable water attraction that will employ up to seven additional staff from May to October each year.

Proposals for the seven-acre site also included parking, changing facilities, hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream.

Each customer will be kitted out with a wet suit, buoyancy aid and a warm welcome on arrival at the reception area, which will complement existing amenities and seven holiday cottages.

With customer safety at the heart of the operation, Sblash is committed to ensuring it meets all health and safety requirements set out by the Aqua Park Association (UK and Ireland).

The water safety team will be qualified to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) standards and sessions have been limited to 25 users at any time.

“The fishery continues to be successful, but we wanted to make this site a more sustainable year-round enterprise, which is why we have diversified,” said James.

“Sblash will be perfect for families, school groups, parties, team building, and anyone wanting to get active and have fun! We already attract people from all over the UK and this will give us another USP to create a buzz in the area.”

He added: “Importantly for us, we want to contribute to the local economy for 12 months of the year, creating jobs and capitalising on our surroundings in a sustainable, responsible manner.

“The aqua park allows us to do that, and by training our lifeguards with RLSS qualifications and keeping the capacity low to ensure a high-quality and safe experience for visitors, we have the peace of mind everyone will leave here having had a brilliant time.

“We are thankful to Business Wales for its support and to the amazing community here in Penmaenmawr; we look forward to opening very soon.”

The wild water adventure will include the towering 3.8m Mount Rainier, exhilarating slides and a range of obstacles, floating trampolines, a freefall experience and the unforgettable Waverider.

Sblash will open to the public on May 18 and is already creating ripples of excitement along the coast. Discounts, family offers, and further activities will be introduced in the months ahead.

Debbie says residents and business owners have been “hugely supportive” and the knock-on effect will be very positive for the town.

“We will be helping to be promote Penmaenmawr as a tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, cafes and other activities in addition to what we are doing with Sblash,” she said.

“The community is fully behind us, and we will look to use local suppliers and products as always, supporting each other and doing all we can to bring more people to what is one of the region’s hidden gems.

“James and I have been in the sector for many years, and this is one of the most impressive developments we’ve created during that time.

“We look forward to bringing something fresh and new to North Wales, an attraction that will capitalise on the incredible landscape and nature with a focus on health and wellbeing, exercise and enjoyment – we look forward to welcoming people soon.”

North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones congratulated the couple on their “innovative approach” to boosting tourism in the region and added: “Utilising the resources available to them to diversify and create a quality fun water park at Graiglwyd should be commended. I’m aware of the tremendous amount of hard work to get to this stage.

“I have every confidence that this new venture will not only succeed but also become a popular tourist attraction for both locals and visitors alike.”

The existing fly-fishing business will be open from October for the remaining months of the year as it is seasonal, and future proposals for the park include glamping pods and cold-water therapy retreats.

For more information, to book a session or to apply for a role at Sblash, visit the website www.sblash.co.uk and follow them on social media.

News

New interview scheme will guarantee employers in Wales find perfect candidate

EMPLOYERS will benefit from a new recruitment programme that guarantees candidates will be suitable for the jobs they are advertising.

Conwy Employment Hub’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme is designed to build confidence among jobseekers and streamline the application process for companies looking to hire staff.

Those already signed up to the Hub’s raft of employment and training services can capitalise on the initiative, and they are hoping more private and public sector organisations will join them.

Among those already registered are Llandudno Pier, Alpine Coaches, Conwy County Borough Council, and hotels in Llandudno including The Imperial and St George’s.

Clare Kingscott, Employer Engagement Officer with Conwy Employment Hub, revealed a successful pilot of the scheme led to it being rolled out further.

“We have had so much positive feedback, this is a fantastic opportunity for jobseekers and HR teams across the county,” said Clare.

“We have offered a bespoke service for local employers for some time, but this takes it to the next level and will really enhance their recruitment processes.

“This scheme attracts more candidates and widens the pool of candidates we can place in front of the recruiting business or organisation, but they will have been pre-screened by us, so only applicants who match up with the position will be put forward for interview.”

She added: “We already have some top local companies on board from a variety of industries, so the scheme is off to a flying start.

“It’s a fantastic initiative, especially for employers, so we are encouraging as many as possible to get in touch and take advantage of this opportunity, no matter how big or small your business or organisation is. This is a free service, and we want as many people as possible to benefit from it.”

The move follows the Hub’s successful Conwy Job Expo, which welcomed more than 80 employers and over 1,100 jobseekers to Eirias Events Centre in Colwyn Bay earlier this year.

For more information and to sign up for the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, call Clare on 01492 577202 or 07892 709837.

Alternatively, email employers@conwy.gov.uk or visit https://bit.ly/ConwyEmployers

News

Golden college in top 10 for cyber security as apprenticeship interest grows

COLEG CAMBRIA has retained its position as a leader in cyber security education.

The college – based in Deeside, Llysfasi, Wrexham and Northop – received a gold award from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as part of its CyberFirst initiative, which aims to address the UK’s cyber skills gap.

Cambria is one of only eight institutions in Wales to achieve this benchmark.

The good news comes as interest grows in the college’s popular Digital Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Cyber Security, aimed at prospective learners pursuing a career in IT, software development and engineering, or those already in a relevant position and looking to upskill.

The course includes modules on Local Area Network Essentials, Security and Data Ethics, Web Servers and Authentication, Business and Enterprise Programming, Software Engineering, and Penetration Testing.

Cambria’s Director of Business Solutions Nigel Holloway said maintaining the gold accreditation is a “major USP” for the college’s suite of digital and IT qualifications.

“Given the emphasis and strategic importance of combatting cybercrime on the international stage, for Coleg Cambria to be among only a select number of organisations nationwide to hold this standard is a significant milestone,” he added.

“It gives our learners confidence in the courses we run and demonstrates to our industry partners that we are at the forefront of advances in this sector.

“The programmes we deliver – notably the fully funded Digital Degree Apprenticeships – hold even more weight as a result.

“A big thank you to all of our team for their hard work in not only reaching this standard but going above and beyond it, year after year.”

The Digital Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Cyber Security – in partnership with Bangor University – runs for three years and consists of nine hours of in-person and online delivery per week, split over one six-hour day and one three-hour evening session. For more information, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk/our-courses.

CyberFirst covers a broad range of activities including thousands of free places on CyberFirst courses at UK universities and colleges. Each activity is designed to seek out diverse people with potential, offering the support, skills, experience, and exposure needed to be the future first line of defence in our CyberFirst world. Visit www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst to find out more.