Three learners from Wrexham picked up half the six UK excellence awards given out at a glittering ceremony in London.<\/p>\n
Two of the people honoured by the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers were from the Pendine Park care organisation while the third was a learner at Deeside College.<\/p>\n
The event at Tallow Chandlers’ magnificent hall was organised in conjunction with the City and Guilds examination body.<\/p>\n
Pendine Park Care Practitioners Amanda Dexter and James Bowen both gained Level 2 Diplomas in Health and Social Care for which they studied with the organisation’s in-house training arm, Smartcare Training.<\/p>\n
Childminder Helen Wynne, who studied with Deeside College, was also judged to be the overall outstanding prize winner for her dedication.<\/p>\n
Helen started Blythswood Childminding Services after her son, Dyfan, was born withan extremely rare condition, complex needs, including physical and learning disabilities, hearing and visual impairments.<\/p>\n
The trio’s remarkable achievements were recognised at a special celebration at Pendine Park.<\/p>\n
Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths was extremely proud that learners from her town had clinched 50 per cent of the excellence awards up for grabs in the whole of the UK.<\/p>\n
She said: “I am not surprised though because the people involved the sector here take upskilling very seriously.<\/p>\n
“It’s brilliant that Wrexham is setting the benchmark for the rest of the UK in terms of quality.”<\/p>\n
Deeside College Principal David Jones said: “It’s really good news for Wrexham and has highlighted the outstanding achievements of the people involved in social care in the region.<\/p>\n
“The fact that we have won such a high percentage of the awards shows ability of the people working in the sector and the level of commitment of employers and the people involved in training.<\/p>\n
“I hope we can use the example of these people as role models and that’s why we need to celebrate their success.”<\/p>\n
Mario Kreft was equally proud and added: “The professional and personal development of our staff is a key priority for Pendine Park.<\/p>\n
“All three of the successful learners deserved huge congratulations. They are a shining example of what you can achieve.”<\/p>\n
Since signing up with Deeside College, Helen Wynne has gone from strength to strength and has completed her Level 5 Children\u2019s Care Learning and Development qualification.<\/p>\n
She now supports students on placements and ensures that they receive a variety of experiences, guidance and encouragement to complete their qualifications.<\/p>\n
Helen said: \u201cI can\u2019t believe that I have won such a prestigious award for doing a qualification in a subject and career that I love.<\/p>\n
“It was an honour to be awarded and acknowledged for my hard work.\u00a0 I really hope it encourages other learners to pursue further qualifications in their field of work.\u201d<\/p>\n
James Bowen, who works at Pendine Park’s Penybryn care home, is no stranger to winning accolades.<\/p>\n
Last year he was named the winner of the organisation’s Smile Award for his happy disposition and the difference it makes to the lives of the residents and their families.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe presentation in London was brilliant and I really enjoyed it. To be granted an award of excellence was something else and I\u2019m delighted to have been chosen.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe teaching at Smartcare is superb and I am now putting into practice everything I have learned and hopefully that will make me a better all around Care Practitioner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amanda, who works at the Highfield House care home, was also thrilled.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIt was wonderful to receive the award; it certainly made me feel a bit special.”<\/p>\n