2024 Apprenticeship Awards

Mature learner Kelly Pickering overcame her initial nervousness about beginning a Foundation Apprenticeship in Playwork to become a massive support to the rest of the team at Bodnant Bach Fun Club.

Keen and motivated, she met all targets associated with the apprenticeship and often asked for more so that she could keep on top of her workload and a busy family life.

Her self-confidence has grown and she is described as “amazing” by her colleagues who admire her strong work ethic. Kelly goes above and beyond to ensure every child in her care is happy and has their needs met.

Made redundant from her retail management role during the pandemic, Janey Maggs opted to change career direction.

She enlisted on a National Day Nurseries Association recruitment drive to support individuals to consider childcare as a career.

A placement at Babinogion Menai Day Nursery developed into employment and she achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development. She has now progressed to an apprenticeship.

Janey has developed deeper knowledge and understanding of how to support children’s early education and positive behavioural approaches, which she is happy to share with colleagues. She has also learned to speak Welsh

She is now considered to be an “irreplaceable” and proactive member of the team and a positive role model.

Since achieving an Apprenticeship in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development, Carys Ponsonby has been promoted to deputy leader at Cylch Meithrin Llanerchymedd.

Carys works closely with leader Anne Williams to run the cylch, providing children with play and learning opportunities. Their hard work was rewarded in 2023 when the cylch won the Cylch Meithrin y Flwyddyn; North West award from Mudiad Meithrin.

She began her apprenticeship before the pandemic and completed all work online until restrictions were lifted. Passionate about her role, Carys is praised for her ambition, strong work ethic and commitment to childcare and the children in her care.

Showing her dedication to constantly improve and come up with innovative ideas to develop the 'cylch' to benefit children, she has begun a Management and Leadership qualification.