A modern apprentice who is trained by Deeside College will next week attend the Wales Modern Apprenticeship Awards in Cardiff, where she hopes to take home the title of Modern Apprenticeship Learner - Wales 2008.

Having left school at sixteen, Debra Foster from Rhyl began her working life in a cotton factory before taking on the role of a full time mum of three. In her late 30s Debra decided it was time to not only return to work, but also to education. In December 2005, she took a job as a waitress at Pendre Coffee Shop in Prestatyn where took the first steps to retuning to education by embarking on a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Service. Thriving on learning new skills that she could relate to her everyday work tasks Debra completed the apprenticeship with flying colours, in the process picking up Deeside College’s North Wales Coast Hospitality Academy, Apprentice of the Year award for returning to training at a later stage.

Having found a career she enjoyed, Debra decided she was ready to progress to another Foundation Modern Apprenticeship, this time in Professional Cookery. It was during this time that Debra’s Assessor, Emma Bridgwood, nominated her for the National Modern Apprenticeship Learner award.

Debra, who as a result of her training has been promoted the position of Sous Chef and also runs the Coffee Shop while her employers are away, said: “I was delighted to hear that I’d been nominated for the Modern Apprenticeship Learner award, but I never thought for one minute I’d be short listed and invited down to Cardiff. Returning to education has changed my life. I had considered it before but always thought I’d have to stop working. By doing the apprenticeship schemes with Deeside College, I am trained whilst I’m working and earning a wage.”

Bob Taylor, co-owner of Pendre Coffee Shop is also benefiting from Debra’s success, and said: “Staff training and professional development is high on the agenda at Pendre Coffee Shop. Highly trained staff are highly motivated staff and we know this ultimately shows in the service our customers receive. Debra is a fantastic example of how training can change your life. We all have our fingers crossed for her in Cardiff and hope she brings home the award, it will certainly be well deserved.”

Deeside College Work Based Learning Manager, Edwin Owen, added: “Deeside College has long been regarded as one of the best Work Based Learning providers in the UK. This was reinforced in 2007, when we became the first college in Wales to be awarded 10 Grade 1s by Estyn* Inspectors for all aspects of our Work Based Learning provision. Debra is one of our many Work Based Learning success stories and everyone at Deeside College wishes her all the best in Cardiff.”

Image shows Modern Apprenticeship Learner award hopeful Debra Foster.

For more information, please contact Deeside College Marketing Coordinator, Owain Roberts on 01244 834531.

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