Sector Leading within Food Drink & Hospitality Sectors
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Information about the school/provider
Cambrian Training Company has a long history of delivering work-based learning apprenticeship programmes across Wales. With a mid-Wales Head Office, and locations across Wales they work with 10 sub-contractors and support around 2,000 learners. The provider has the largest number of learners in hospitality and food & drink apprenticeship provision in Wales.
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
CTC aims to enhance vocational training and workforce readiness by creating a tailored, industry-specific approach to provision planning. Through the provider’s extensive technical vocational experience and partnerships with key industry bodies, they have developed training programmes designed to address current skills deficits and anticipate future industry needs. They actively support learner Involvement in skills competitions throughout Wales to demonstrate their skills and gain industry recognition.
Description of nature of strategy or activity
By participating in industry discussions, building relationships with employers, and continuously adapting training provision, CTC effectively addresses the skills needs of these sectors. Activities include:
- Engaging Proactively: Regularly attending industry meetings engaging with key stakeholders to stay informed about sector needs and trends.
- Building Relationships: Establish and maintain long-standing relationships with a diverse range of employers to foster collaboration and trust.
- Curriculum Development: Work closely with industry partners to develop and refine training programmes that are responsive to current and future skills needs.
- Address Specific Skills Gaps: Identify and address specific skills gaps within the sectors and individual employers, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for employment and career progression.
- Influence Sector-wide Strategies: Take on leadership roles within industry bodies to contribute to strategic discussions and influence workforce development policies.
What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?
Through collaborating with industry bodies, the provider have enabled learners to showcase their talents, gain recognition, and bolster their confidence. Many apprentices have secured more senior, in some cases prestigious roles within the sector, contributing effectively to their workplaces. Overall, the collective effort in the sector has cultivated a more skilled and motivated workforce, adept at meeting the industry’s evolving demands and raising the profile of the sector. Key examples include, in one company apprenticeship programmes being integral to developing its workforce of over 1,000 employees and at another employer staff retention and development being improved since launching apprenticeships in 2017.
How have you shared your good practice?
Senior leaders at the provider regularly speak at industry conferences and workshops, outlining successful strategies and outcomes. They publish case studies and articles in industry journals and through social media, newsletters and their website, sharing their approaches and achievements.
Cambrian Training’s executive chair mentored the Junior Welsh National Culinary Team to their first Olympic Gold Medal. He led a pioneering craft-led apprenticeship programme for chefs in Wales. He has been instrumental in securing the support from World Chefs Country Presidents in securing their vote for the WorldChefs Congress 2026 to be hosted by Wales at ICC Wales in May 2026. This will be the first time that this World Congress has been hosted in any part of the United Kingdom in its 98 year history.