CTC Board of Directors – True Advocates of Apprenticeships

Arwyn Watkins OBE

Executive Chair CTC

On leaving Builth Wells Secondary School in the July of 1978 Arwyn secured his place at the Army School of Catering as an Apprentice Chef. Arwyn started his apprenticeship with the Army Catering Corps in September 1978 and completed the Apprenticeship in June 1980 where Arwyn was posted out to Münster in West Germany as a Chef with the Royal Hampshire Regiment.

Arwyn spent 14 years in the Army Catering Corps and served with a number of regiments at home and abroad. Arwyn finished his military career teaching the next generation of military chefs at the same school of catering that Arwyn undertook his apprenticeship programme.

Faith O’Brien

Managing Director

After graduating from university with a degree in medical biochemistry, Faith took her first steps into the professional world as a graduate manager. With limited experience in the workplace, she decided to enhance her skills and knowledge by embarking on her first apprenticeship in administration. From there, Faith steadily progressed through the levels, eventually achieving management qualifications at Level 5.

These apprenticeships provided the solid foundation she needed to develop her expertise and confidence. Faith said: “I firmly believe they’ve been instrumental in my career success, giving me the tools to grow, adapt, and thrive in my profession. Apprenticeships truly are a powerful pathway to unlocking your potential.”

Elen Rees

Director of Finance & Support Services

On leaving 6th form at Caereinion High School in 1997. She then attended Harper Adams University for a very short period. Knowing University was not right for her, Elen returned home very quickly. Having just left university; she was now entering a scary new world – looking to secure a job. Thankfully, Elen was successful at a job interview with Cambrian Training Company. She was employed as an Administrative Assistant following a Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Administration and started work in November 1997. After this, she progressed within the company with various roles from Administration Assistant to Claims Officer to Manager, until today where she now works as the Director of Finance & Support Services. During this period, Elen completed several different apprenticeships including Apprenticeships in Business Administration and Customer Service. She also attended Coleg Powys part time whilst working to achieve her HNC & HND in Business Administration. After completing these, to support the managerial role she had moved into she completed a Higher Apprenticeship in Management.

The apprenticeship programme was far more suitable for Elen than the University route, and she stated: “I only wish that schools ensure all learners are made aware of the apprenticeships schemes that are available in their areas. As a parent I have ensured my son was aware and proud to have recently started an Electrical level 3 apprenticeship with a local employer.”

Anne Jones

Director Quality & Skills

On leaving Llanfair Caereinion Secondary School in 1987, Anne decided to pursue a career in Hairdressing. Anne was successful in gaining a work placement and attended a part time Hairdressing course in Newtown, achieving a Level 2 qualification. After gaining a few years industrial experience she went on to do a Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeship in 2001 with Cambrian Training Company.

The Apprenticeship programme opened many opportunities for Anne. During this time she also started her first Assessing role at Cambrian Training and worked her way through her Assessor and Verifier awards. This also led to Anne gaining a PGCE and Degree in Education and she spent a number of years working in WBL and FE.

For the last 15 years Anne has held the position of Director Quality & Skills at Cambrian Training and is a true advocate of Apprenticeship programmes.

Angela Maguire-Lewis

Director of Governance

Angela Maguire-Lewis is Director of Governance at Cambrian Training. She brings nearly three decades of experience in the work-based learning and apprenticeship sector, having dedicated her career to enhancing educational opportunities for all learners and delivering high-quality training across the UK. Over the course of her 29-year journey, she has had the privilege of working in leadership roles across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, allowing her to develop a broad understanding of the diverse needs of learners and employers.

Angela began her career in 1994 as an assessor with the Hotel and Catering Training Company in Cardiff. This initial role sparked her passion for apprenticeship training and has since committed to expanding access to apprenticeships while maintaining a focus on quality, transparency, and equality. As Angela progressed in her career, she has had the opportunity to lead initiatives that foster growth in apprenticeship training, working with both public and private sector employers to deliver innovative, high-impact apprenticeship programmes.

Throughout her career, has had the privilege to work in a range of apprenticeship training providers, where she has championed the development of programs that are at the forefront of industry needs. By blending multi-sector capabilities, expert trainers, and cutting-edge technology, we can ensure that apprenticeship programs have developed to be both effective and adaptable, preparing the next generation of skilled workers for a rapidly evolving job market.

Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, she has sought opportunities to provide governance and strategic insight at a wider level. Angela has been an active member of various Skills Boards and Committees, including her role as a Board Member for Qualifications Wales and as a current Board Member of NTfW. In these positions, she has supported organisations in shaping policy, ensuring that the needs of apprentices, employers, and the wider economy are met.

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