A NEW supported internship programme aimed at helping young people with additional learning needs into employment will launch this autumn – a major partnership between ourselves, DFN Project SEARCH and Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor

ILS Cambria

Based at the hospital, the one-year programme will begin in September and is designed to bridge the gap between education and the workplace by giving students real-life experience in a busy NHS setting. The programme will initially offer places for six interns, with applications open to those holding an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) or […]

Bringing Best Practices Home: Coleg Cambria’s Canada Visit Sparks New EDI Commitments

ALN Staff

Fairness and Belonging Lead Alice Churm and Learning Support Manager Sean Finnigan travelled to Vancouver as part of a funded Taith exchange, coordinated by ColegauCymru. They forged new partnerships with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVABC), building on international collaboration that began last year. The visit focused on […]

An inspirational mother who returned to education after nearly a decade in the UK has been named one of Wales’s top adult learners

Maryam Avazzadeh was crowned Access to HE Learner of the Year by Agored Cymru, winning the "Outstanding Commitment to Study" category in recognition of her determination, resilience and academic excellence. Maryam completed the Access to HE Health Care Diploma at Coleg Cambria Deeside, an intensive one-year course covering subjects including Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Maths and English - achieving distinctions across the board. The qualification is designed to support adult learners aged 19+ with few or no formal qualifications to progress to university or higher-level careers. Now pursuing a future in Dental Hygiene, she is continuing her studies with a GCSE in Science while awaiting a university place. Maryam said returning to education had been a long-term goal. Having lived in the UK for more than eight years, she waited until she felt confident enough to take the leap. She described the course as both challenging and rewarding, praising her tutors for their support and encouragement. Biology and Psychology quickly became her favourite subjects, and she said one of her proudest moments came when her son told her how proud he was of her - something she described as "wonderful" and deeply motivating. Gemma Ible, Curriculum Director for Access and Foundation Learning at Deeside and Yale, Wrexham, said Maryam's achievement reflects the wider value of Access programmes. "When someone like Maryam walks through the door, you see straight away that the opportunity means everything to them," she said. "These courses exist for exactly that reason, to give adults who've had to put their ambitions on hold a real, structured path back into education. The fact that she's now heading towards university, achieving distinctions along the way, is exactly the outcome we hope for." Tutor Wayne Young said Maryam's commitment stood out from day one. "She didn't just pass, she achieved straight distinctions, which is a remarkable accomplishment," he said. "It wasn't easy, but she embraced the challenge fully. She was constantly asking questions, always seeking to improve, and demonstrated incredible perseverance - especially studying in her second language." He added that Maryam's enthusiasm extended beyond her own studies, describing her as a supportive and collaborative member of the class who helped others and contributed to a positive learning environment. Coleg Cambria's Access to HE provision continues to grow in popularity, offering adults across the region a second chance at education and a direct route into university

Maryam Avazzadeh was crowned Access to HE Learner of the Year by Agored Cymru, winning the “Outstanding Commitment to Study” category in recognition of her determination, resilience and academic excellence. Maryam completed the Access to HE Health Care Diploma at Coleg Cambria Yale, an intensive one-year course covering subjects including Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Maths and […]

A WREXHAM bakery apprentice was named Rising Star at the Wales Food and Drink Awards – one of three of our learners recognised among the best in the country

A WREXHAM bakery apprentice was named Rising Star at the Wales Food and Drink Awards - one of three of our learners recognised among the best in the country

The college enjoyed a standout evening at the Swansea Building Society Arena, with representatives reaching the finals and one taking home a top honour. Apprentices Caleb Blackwell, of Blacks Pies, and Tilly Squire, of Village Bakery, were recognised among the best in Wales, while Naomi Griffiths – from Iâl Bakery, Coleg Cambria’s commercial training bakery […]

Sharing Our Approach to Bilingualism with Visiting Irish Parliament Delegation

Sharing Our Approach to Bilingualism with Visiting Irish Parliament Delegation

Coleg Cambria welcomed representatives of the Committee of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) to Wrexham as part of a project focused on sharing evidence, experience and ideas around bilingual education in learning, services and the workplace. The group toured facilities at Yale – including the state-of-the-art new CAMU language centre – and met senior leaders to […]

We delivered a record-breaking performance at Skills Competition Wales, securing an impressive 19 medals and 49 accolades in a landmark year for the college

We delivered a record-breaking performance at Skills Competition Wales, securing an impressive 19 medals and 49 accolades in a landmark year for the college

Based in Wrexham, Northop, Deeside and Llysfasi, learners achieved five gold, five silver and nine bronze medals, alongside 28 highly commended recognitions and two ‘Best in Region’ titles. The ceremony took place at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre following a series of skills contests held across the country throughout February. The 2026 programme featured 65 disciplines spanning […]