Talented young butcher Matthew Edwards was a runner up at Wales’VQ Learner of the Year showpiece awards ceremony on VQ Day at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus.
Matthew, 22, who works for S. A. Vaughan Family Butchers, Penyfford, near Chester, was one of six finalists from across Wales who were all congratulated by Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates.
VQ Day is a national celebration of people who have achieved success in vocational education in Wales.
Matthew’s learning path has included selection to represent Great Britain in a European skills competition in Switzerland in September after winning the Welsh Young Butcher contest and finishing runner up in The National Federation of Meat and Food Traders’ Premier Young Butcher competition last year.
He is working towards an Apprenticeship in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills with Cambrian Training Company based in Welshpool, having previously achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Having begun his career with a Saturday job at Swans Farm Shop, Treuddyn, Mold, he went on to work for last year’s VQ Learner of the Year for Wales, Tomi Jones, of Jones’ Butchers, Llangollen.
Since joining Steve Vaughan he has won the Young Sausage Maker competition at last year’s Bpex Regional Roadshow and will compete in the champion of champions contest at this year’s event in Newark in October.
“Since starting my training I have gone from runner up to winning the Welsh Young Butcher competition and come runner up in the Premier Young Butcher contest, which shows the progress that I’ve made,” said Matthew. “I have developed my skills by learning on the job and by being given the chance to take part in national competitions.”
Mr Vaughan said: “Matthew demonstrates ambition and determination which is evident in his positive approach to his qualifications, competitive appetite and eagerness to learn.”
Winner of the VQ Learner of the Year Award was St Clears nursery owner Emma Thomas.
The awards coincided with the publication of two new skills reports. The Institute of Public Policy Research revealed that, with 3.6 million skilled vacancies opening up across the UK over the next 10 years, vocational qualifications have never been in such demand.
In addition the Employer Skills Survey 2013 Wales report provides evidence that the Welsh economy is moving towards recovery and highlights the skills needed by employers across Wales and within sectors and occupations.
Mr Skates, who presented the VQ awards, congratulated all the finalists for excelling in their vocational learning journey. He called on employers and individuals to take responsible action on skills following the findings of both reports.
“Next month, we will be launching our Skills Implementation Plan, which sets out the actions we intend to take in developing the skills of the Welsh workforce and increasing levels of skills investment,” he said.
“VQ Day reminds us just how many Welsh employers and learners are already going that extra mile when it comes to developing skills. A VQ award is more than just an award; it’s a symbol of dedication towards your chosen profession.
“We have no intention of preaching to the converted, but if the Welsh economy is to continue to grow then we must ensure employers, individuals and the Welsh Government work together and invest in the right skills for success.”
VQ Day supports the aspiration that vocational qualifications should achieve parity of esteem alongside other educational routes.
Learning providers across Wales came together to celebrate VQ Day and engage with learners of all ages through providing interactive taster sessions in a range of skills at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus and Coleg Cambria’s Deeside Campus.
VQ Day and the VQ Awards are co-ordinated in Wales by ColegauCymru and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) with the support of the Welsh Government and part funded by the European Social Fund.
Picture caption:
Matthew Edwards (centre) receives his VQ Learner of the Year finalist certificate from Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates (right) watched by event compere Owain Wyn Evans.
For more information please contact Duncan Foulkes, public relations consultant, on 01686 650818.
