A PAIR of talented bakers are on the rise.

Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria’s Iâl Restaurant in Wrexham, and baker and pastry chef Ella Muddiman, who also works at the Hafod venue, have been nominated for the Rising Star accolade at this year’s BIA (Baking Industry Awards) ceremony.

The news comes after Naomi, from Mold – whose popular LittleWelshFoodie social media account encourages young people to take up baking – won the Fruit Cake category in Britain’s Best Cake competition, where she was joined by judge Daryl Stephenson, a Cambria work-based learning assessor.

Congratulating the skilled duo – they are two of only three finalists in the category – he said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ella and Naomi for reaching the finals of the Baking Industry Awards and feel truly privileged to have been part of their exciting career journey so far.”

Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria Yale, added: “After opening our Iâl Restaurant with Ella just three years ago we never thought we would have had the success we have had so far, but none of this would have been possible without our dedicated, hard-working team who have developed the brand and gone from strength to strength.

“Having recently introduced Iâl Bakery and welcomed onboard our very own Little Welsh Foodie we couldn’t be prouder than to have two of our Welsh star bakers in the running for the Rising Star Awards.

“On behalf of myself and everyone at Coleg Cambria, a massive congratulations and good luck to you both.”

A Rising Star finalist in 2023, Naomi gained experience over the last 12 months with a week at the School of Artisan Food and another at the Richemont Centre of Excellence in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Judges said her “passion shines so brightly” and lauded her technical and problem-solving ability.

Meanwhile, Ella – the college’s Food Manufacturing Work-based Learner of the Year for 2024 – has gone from strength to strength after starting out as a hobby baker and is determined to help others as a “beacon for positive mental health”.

She has turned her passion into a career with Cambria and recently completed a Level 2 Diploma in Proficiency in Baking Industry Skills. She is due to start Level 3 in September.

The Awards are run by British Baker, a leading publication for the baking industry.

Amy North, Editor of British Baker, said: “The Baking Industry Awards celebrate the people, products, and businesses that make the sector such an incredible one – from artisanal sourdough loaves and the bakers who handcraft them to the manufacturers helping to keep the nation happy and fed, and everyone in between.

“The Rising Star Award is an incredibly competitive category, and our three finalists exemplify excellence, proving themselves to be talented and passionate individuals. They set a great example for their peers and the wider industry.”

For more on the Baking Industry Awards, visit the website: Baking Industry Awards 2024 – Homepage (bakeryawards.co.uk) and https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/events/meet-the-rising-star-award-finalists-for-2024/693829.article.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

Tilhill Forestry and Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company (FSF) announced the continuation of the Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme in Wales, with the aim of better equipping contractors in the region.

After a successful programme last year, Tilhill Forestry, the UK’s leading forestry and timber harvesting company – and a member of BSW Group – and FSF, the UK’s first listed natural capital investment company, have teamed up again to further educate the industry.

First launched in 2022, the programme has seen continued success, with 70 candidates applying last year, and the majority of trainees completing the course, continuing into employment in the forestry industry.

This year, in partnership with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, four training programme placements will be awarded across Wales. Successful applicants from communities local to FSF’s operations will receive fully funded training courses which will include forestry-related activities.

Three week-long training sessions will take place in Wales, August, September, October and November. The syllabus for the programme offers tractor driving, chainsaw skills, first aid training and much more, giving those who take part the foundation and key skills to build a career in the forestry industry.

Over the last 75 years, Tilhill Forestry has planted more than 1 billion trees and, as a private company, has the greatest number of professionally qualified forest managers, specialising in woodland creation and management and timber harvesting and buying.

David Edwards, Forestry Director at Tilhill Forestry commented: “We are delighted to be able to offer the opportunity for more trainees to gain valuable and practical forestry knowledge in Wales, as part of the fully funded Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme.

“No prior training or experience is required to apply for the programme. We are looking for candidates in Wales who are motivated to learn new skills.

“This opportunity is ideal for people working in agriculture or contractor-based roles, as well as those looking to begin a career in the forestry sector within the local community.”

Successful candidates will be assigned a Tilhill Forestry mentor to advise on the development of their forestry career. Upon completion of the course, candidates will be given the opportunity to apply for any available Tilhill Forestry vacancy or wider BSW Group vacancies and work on FSF’s projects.

FSF invests in UK forestry and afforestation schemes with a key focus on increasing the UK’s sustainable timber supply. Its approach to sustainable forestry is closely aligned with five of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including protecting the natural environment, enhancing biodiversity levels, making a positive contribution to carbon sequestration, and supporting rural communities. FSF’s forestry schemes in Wales are playing an important role in battling climate change whilst simultaneously mitigating biodiversity loss.

Richard Kelly, Co-Lead of Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company plc said: “FSF is on track to have planted its entire 5,379-hectare afforestation portfolio by spring 2025. To put this in context, once completed, this is equivalent to one-third of the total area the whole of the UK planted in the year to 31 March 2023. Given the scale of FSF’s ongoing woodland creation operation, it is vital we have the skilled workers needed to help shape the next decade of sustainable forestry. Rural communities must be empowered to participate in the UK’s burgeoning natural capital economy and we are delighted to see this essential skills programme running for the third consecutive year in Wales.

“Afforestation will form a key pillar of the UK’s fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Placing local Welsh communities at the forefront of accessing the career opportunities offered by this thriving industry and enabling them to shape its evolution will support a just transition and more sustainable future for all.”

Apply now via the Tilhill Forestry website. The deadline for applications is 31^st July.

LESSONS at a primary school will be great outdoors thanks to a generous donation from Coleg Cambria.

The college donated bat houses, birdboxes, and mud kitchens to Ysgol Rhosymedre, near Wrexham.

The equipment was built by Entry to Construction learners at Cambria’s Bersham Road site and will be used by Reception pupils and children with additional learning needs (ALN).

Lecturer in Foundation Construction Amy Rowlands made the presentation along with colleague Edd Young and students Joe Dempsey and Zac Sprason-Jones.

“Every year we make outdoor learning equipment and items such as bat houses and birdboxes, which inspire conservation, and give them to different schools in the area,” said Amy.

“This year we chose Rhosymedre as my son attended the ALN unit there, it’s a fantastic school so we wanted to give something back.

“They were delighted to receive the donation, and we were only too pleased to help.”

She added: “The entry learners at Bersham designed, built and painted everything, which has been a great experience for them, giving back to their local community and enhancing their skills – they did an amazing job.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

COLEG CAMBRIA celebrated the dedication and skill of learners and apprentices at its annual Student Awards.

The college’s Yale site in Wrexham held events for Further and Higher Education (FE and HE) and Work-based Learning (WBL) and Adult and Community Learning (ACL) this week.

Chief Executive Yana Williams and Cath Sullivan, Deputy Chief Executive for People, Experiences and Culture, hosted proceedings over two nights.

“Congratulations to everyone on your success in the last year,” said Ms Williams.

“Also, a big thank you to your families, friends and those who supported you on your journeys.

“You are a credit to Coleg Cambria, and we are so pleased and proud to be able to celebrate your achievements across a wide range of programmes.

“From apprenticeships and work-based learning courses to A Levels and more, whatever your next steps will be, we will always be here for you and wish you the very best of luck for the future.”

Special guests were entrepreneur, speaker and business start-up consultant Emmanuel Anthony, whose mission is to “empower people to turn their passion into their profession through resilience, work ethic and entrepreneurship”, and Matt Hall, a Guinness World Record Holder, serial entrepreneur, amateur bodybuilding finalist and host of Apple’s top charted podcast, Success School.

The student awards celebrate achievement across all of Cambria’s sites – Northop, Deeside, Llysfasi, and Bersham Road and Yale college in Wrexham.

Among the winners were:

Deeside Sixth Student of the Year – Daniel Mayers-Jones

Yale Sixth Student of the Year – Zoe Bayley-Jones

Welsh Language Student of the Year – Melody Griffiths

Welsh Language Apprentice of the Year – Ruby Ballantyne

Charity Learner of the Year – Ben White

Access to Higher Education Student of the Year – Selma Souza Fernandes

Higher Education Learner of the Year – Matthew Jones

Neurodiverse-Centred Course Student of the Year – Natasha Royal

Elite Sports Student of the Year – Carys Davies

Esports Student of the Year – Oliver Pearce

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Students of the Year – Max Williams, Micah Hampton, Enrique Manzano.

Digital Technologies Apprentice of the Year – Ashley Littlemore

Adult Learner of the Year – Anne Williams

Aeronautical Apprentice of the Year – Robert Jones

Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Hayley Brittle

Llysfasi Land-based Student of the Year – Charlotte Bailey

Northop Technical Studies Student of the Year – Kai Dodd

Childcare WBL of the Year – Gemma Young

Learn English Learner of the Year – Deodato Barbosa De Carvalho

Welsh for Adults Learner of the Year – Kierion Lloyd

Hair and Beauty WBL of the Year – Tia Arrowsmith

There was also special recognition for the WorldSkills UK finalists who represented the college and industry partners in 2023/24.

For more information and the full list of winners at the FE/HE and WBL/ACL ceremonies, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.

You can also see more reaction by using the hashtag #cambriaawards24 on social media.

A FREE family fun day celebrating the best of motors and music makes its return to Wrexham this summer.

The always popular Bersham Wheels takes place at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site from 10am-3pm on Saturday June 29.

Featuring live entertainment, displays, trade stands, food and refreshments and a selection of extraordinary vehicles – from classic cars and bikes to souped-up sportsters and military machinery – it is an event not to be missed.

Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the college site, which includes the £10m Institute of Technology (IoT), and music from some of the region’s best bands.

Karl Jackson, Site Lead and Assistant Principal for the IoT, hopes to see lots of people there on the day.

“Every year Bersham Wheels gets bigger and better, and this summer looks like that will be the case again,” he said.

“The focus is on cars, motorcycles, and the need for speed, but it’s also become a big hit in the local area, bringing the community together for a celebration which also includes fantastic music and food and drink.

“And it’s all completely free, so we hope to see more people here than ever before.”

Karl added: “This is our fourth event, and we have more cars, more stalls, more music and a wide selection of eye-catching, head turning vehicles, so there is something for everyone to enjoy – fingers crossed for sunshine!”

Onsite parking is free. For more information or to book at stall space at Bersham Wheels, email karl.jackson@cambria.ac.uk or call 01978 267809.

To register for your free ticket, visit Bersham Road Wheels Event at Coleg Cambria – Bersham Road event tickets from TicketSource.

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

A LECTURER and Army veteran who committed 37 years to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award received a golden retirement present.

Alan Lowry – who leaves his role as Sports and Public Services Lecturer and DofE Coordinator at Coleg Cambria this summer, after more than a quarter of a century with the institution – was invited to a special celebration at Buckingham Palace.

He joined Gold award winners from the college, and across the country, for a festival-themed event chaired by HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Having served all over the world with the Royal Welch Fusiliers – including Germany, Bosnia, Canada, and Kenya – rising to the rank of Warrant Officer, Alan switched to education in 1999.

He was “proud and delighted” to attend, along with wife Rebeccah, but insists he will miss the learners and staff at Coleg Cambria, which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi.

“Having been involved with the DofE for 37 years it was a huge honour to be at this celebration,” said Alan.

“I’ve had the privilege of being invited on two previous occasions to witness the presentation of Awards at the Palace, and once again it was a wonderful day with hundreds of participants from all over the country being acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.

“HRH The Duke of Edinburgh addressed those attending and then met and talked to some of the recipients, which was fantastic.”

He added: “It has been a privilege and honour to have been involved with the Awards, and to see how it has allowed young people to experience things they may not have if they had not been involved.

“It has been a great opportunity for learners across all sites to try new things and get involved with the wider local communities, and in the process raise a lot of money for their chosen charities.

“I will greatly miss it, and the college, but take great pride from all we have achieved together over the years.”

The three Cambria representatives to achieve Gold were former Northop student Joe Smallwood, and ex-Yale learners Hannah Skirton and Rafael Jeremy.

Cambria is the number one FE institution in Wales for the DofE and has seen almost 300 young people achieve the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award in the last 18 months.

One of the college’s former students is Rebecca Kennelly, who was previously DofE UK Executive Director.

Cambria’s Learner and Enterprise Manager Rona Griffiths praised Alan for helping to change the lives of learners since the turn of the century.

She added: “Thank you Alan for all your leadership, support and commitment to colleagues and students alike – across all the sites. You will be greatly missed by us all.”

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

For more on the DofE, visit the website: www.dofe.org.

A SKILLED apprentice achieved a slice of success in the first ever Britain’s Best Cake competition.

Coleg Cambria learner Naomi Spaven, from Mold, won the Fruit Cake category with a delicious dark chocolate, orange and ginger Bara Brith.

Naomi, who works as head baker at Wylde Bakery in Bebington, was also named among last year’s Rising Star finalists by the BIA (Baking Industry Awards).

Currently studying a Level 3 Apprenticeship with the college, she was joined at the event – held at the Birmingham NEC – by judge Daryl Stephenson, a Cambria work-based learning assessor and one of the most respected names in the industry, with more than 20 years’ experience.

Naomi, who turned to baking following the death of her mum three years ago, was thrilled to win the section and finish second in the overall standings.

“I honestly was over the moon to win Best Fruit Cake, especially with the recipe being a Bara Brith!” she said.

“I’ve made this cake countless times over the years and I’m so pleased that the judges enjoyed eating it as much as I enjoyed baking it.

“The support I have received from Daryl and the college has been second to none, and I wouldn’t have even known these competitions existed without his guidance. It’s been great to be able to study for a qualification whilst working too.

“I’ve already started planning my bakes ready for next year’s competition!”

Daryl, who regularly visits her on the Wirral to assess progress and support her academic journey, said she is a “star of the future”.

“I obviously didn’t judge Naomi’s category but was there running my eye over other competitors and she was up there with the very best of them,” he said.

“It’s a pleasure to see how talented, hard-working and passionate she is, she has come a very long way in just a few years and is already making her mark in the UK and on the international stage.”

Daryl, from Ruabon, added: “It was an honour to be on the judging panel, especially as this is the first time British Baker has ever held these awards, and for one of our students to be among the winners was the icing on the cake!”

Naomi will soon begin a new role at Cambria’s Iâl Restaurant in Wrexham, as lead baker and patisserie chef.

For more on the Baking Industry Awards, visit the website: Baking Industry Awards 2024 – Homepage (bakeryawards.co.uk)

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

A LEADER from Coleg Cambria was selected to help champion mental health awareness and support in the hospitality industry.

Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman is the North Wales Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project.

The global organisation provides education, guidance, and resources to help tackle the stigma, as more than four out of five professionals in the leisure sector reported having experienced at least one mental health issue or episode during their careers.

The news comes after Kate and the Hospitality team at Coleg Cambria – which has sites in Deeside, Wrexham, Llysfasi and Northop – were nominated in the Outstanding Impact in Catering Education category at this year’s The Burnt Chef Project Awards.

“To be the only representative from North Wales is a huge honour, for myself and the college,” said Kate.

“Discovering The Burnt Chef Project’s initiatives sparked an immediate connection for me as I’m passionate about transforming the conversation around mental health and trauma in workplaces and educational settings, aiming to improve our environments.

“With a background in hospitality and both of my children immersed in the industry, I am driven to be a vocal advocate for positive change in what is a historically tough arena, but attitudes are beginning to change.”

She added: “Leading a work-based learning team in hospitality, I witness firsthand how workplace environments can swiftly impact mental well-being.

“My curiosity led me to pursue a postgraduate degree in Trauma, Attachment, and Mental Health, and by applying this knowledge within my college’s trauma team – and with our industry partners – I can help drive positive change for staff, students, and employers by offering support and education to empower transformations.

“Progress in reducing mental health stigma is evident, yet our journey for comprehensive change continues. I’m looking forward to supporting The Burnt Chef Project to help make this change, and at Coleg Cambria we will continue our good work in shining a light on the subject.”

On the Ambassador Scheme, The Burnt Chef Project said: “We aim to build an international community of various hospitality individuals with lived experience of mental illness.

“The network acts as a peer support ‘web’ around the world and with combined efforts we will host weekly group chats, personal check-ins, and regular events.

“Our aim is to be the largest international peer support network within the hospitality industry.”

For more on The Burnt Chef Project, visit The Burnt Chef Project | Hospitality Mental Health Awareness.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

GAME ON! Skilled students displayed control and strategy to win the final of an epic Esports tournament.

The triumphant Cambria Chimeras, all Level 2 and Level 3 learners in Esports at Coleg Cambria Deeside, were victorious in the Apex Legends Spring Cup.

The three-strong squad – Oliver Pearce, Kyle Tarran and Owen Maynard – beat opposition from across the country, including college and university teams.

British Esports described it as “one of the most exciting cups we have ever run”.

“It was an unbelievable final, which followed weeks of strategizing and working together to get through the rounds,” said Oliver, from Wrexham.

“We are absolutely thrilled given how much we put into this and looking forward to competing in future tournaments.”

Kyle, from Connah’s Quay, said to be crowned number one in the UK – when there were more than 40 groups to navigate – was “an unreal feeling” having been described as “the dark horses” of the competition.

Pentre Halkyn student Owen added: “We all played to our strengths and while there were challenges occasionally and a lot of pressure, we worked hard to win the cup and be the last ones standing.

“We were up against some big names, colleges that are long established with a lot of backing, so it is a huge achievement for us.”

The success comes as Cambria prepares to unveil a new £230,000 gaming complex at its Flintshire site this summer.

Lecturer Lauren Crofts praised her students for their stellar performance in the Spring Cup and said there are exciting times ahead for the Esports programme.

“They put a lot of their own time and effort into this, looking at strategies and game play, and worked really well together as a team,” she said.

“I am so proud of them all, they are a credit to Coleg Cambria and already looking forward to the next tournament!”

She added: “The Esports course has been hugely popular over the last few years and this grant investment will see the introduction of two new gaming arenas, one of which will be a Sim Racing performance area.

“The other will give us more room to look at Shoutcast live media streaming, to develop other skills and game creation, utilising the space and introducing state-of-the-art technology, as well as taking Esports into local primary and secondary schools to explain the wide range of careers out there in this industry.

“We are getting a lot of positive feedback and interest from prospective students so this will be a major USP for us – it’s going to be amazing.”

Lisa Radcliffe, Assistant Principal for Technical Studies, added: “I am beyond proud of our Esports learners who have shown resilience, cooperation, and collaboration throughout this competition – to become champions is an amazing achievement.

“Throughout the programme we have encouraged social interaction and the development of interpersonal skills in learners who could possibly be socially excluded. It is an exciting programme with our new gaming arena being open this September, ready to breed our new champions.”

Esports is a booming multi-billion dollar sector and Cambria Chimeras have already received visits from talent scouts representing some of the world’s top gaming organisations and professional teams, such as Excel Esports.

For more information on Esports at Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.