Cambrian Training Marks 30 Years of Apprenticeship Success
Cambrian Training Company marked its 30th anniversary in 2025, reflecting on three decades of work-based learning across Wales. From a modest start as a Mid Wales Tourism subsidiary, the Welshpool-based provider now stands among the nation’s leading apprenticeship organisations.
Milestones and Growth
Over the past 30 years the firm has delivered more than 20,000 apprenticeship programmes to learners in over 4,500 businesses. Today it partners with more than 850 employers, supported by a staff of 63 employees and nine subcontractors operating from five offices.
September 2025 featured a “30 Days of September” campaign that highlighted stories from apprentices, employers and staff. The series culminated in a large anniversary celebration, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to both heritage and future growth.
Recognition for quality education came in the form of several industry awards, including Apprenticeship Provider of the Year and Best Work-Based Apprenticeship Provider in Wales. These honours reinforce the company’s reputation for delivering high-skill training in hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, and health and social care.
In many ways, Cambrian’s trajectory mirrors the broader expansion of vocational pathways seen in other UK regions, where long-standing providers have leveraged local industry ties to scale programmes. The company’s ability to sustain growth while diversifying sectors reflects a model that many emerging training organisations aim to replicate.
The organisation’s community profile rose further when two staff members, Alex Hogg and Donna Heath, completed the iconic 22-mile Man v Horse race, marking the first time the event was sponsored by the training provider. It also highlighted Learning Disability Week by sharing stories of supported shared apprentices Morgan Griffiths, Amber Spellman and Cameron Vernon Long.
Apprentice achievements featured prominently throughout the year. Professional Cookery apprentice Adam Pike won the Skills Competition Wales Culinary Arts title, while Aaron Jones secured the ‘Skills for Work’ award at the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2026 and was later named Apprentice of the Year at the CTC Awards.
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Graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery Pavilion, Royal Welsh Showground, drew more than 100 graduates per event. The Autumn ceremony included the Team Wales Skills Torch Relay, showcasing commis chef Mia Haf Rees, who completed her Level 3 Professional Cookery apprenticeship in 14 months instead of the usual 18.
Strategic partnerships have been a cornerstone of Cambrian’s influence. Collaborations with the Culinary Association of Wales, Mid-Wales Tourism, Food & Drink Wales Awards and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society have helped shape industry standards and expand apprenticeship opportunities across the sector.
Earlier in the year the company transitioned to a 100% employee-owned trust, a structure intended to deepen staff engagement and ensure long-term sustainability. The move aligns with the organisation’s people-centred values, emphasizing shared responsibility and investment in its workforce.
Event Sponsorships and Industry Milestones
The organization helped the Culinary Association of Wales bring the Worldchefs Congress and Expo to the United Kingdom for the first time, showcasing Wales as a culinary hub.
During the ceremony honoring the event, the former Managing Director and Executive Chair received lifetime membership of Worldchefs and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the most recent CTC Awards.
Further highlighting family involvement, a senior hospitality training officer earned the Practitioner of the Year honour while his son, a twenty-year-old apprentice, was named Outstanding Individual for his work toward a Hospitality Supervision and Leadership apprenticeship.
Apprentice Recognition and Community Impact
Three apprentices reached the finalist stage for the top apprentice accolade at the Wales Food and Drink Awards, with one receiving a special commendation from the judging panel.
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Meanwhile, Trailhead Fine Foods, a sister company, secured a Great Taste Award for its Welsh Salt Beef, reinforcing the region’s reputation for quality food production.
Apprenticeship Week Wales featured the provider’s inaugural webinars focused on hospitality and food-and-drink manufacturing pathways, attracting educators and prospective learners.
At the national Apprenticeship Fair held in the Senedd, the company maintained a busy stall, and a live interview on BBC Radio Wales highlighted the benefits of work-based learning.
Hands-on cookery workshops were delivered at Ysgol Bro Caereinion Secondary Phase and Welshpool High School, inspiring secondary-age students to explore culinary careers.
A staff member completed a degree apprenticeship with the Open University, graduating with First Class Honours in Applied Software Engineering, exemplifying internal career progression.
Nationally, the provider topped Medr’s apprenticeships success tables, confirming its leading position in delivering high-quality vocational training across Wales.
