Thomas is a popular A Level student who has worked hard since arriving at Deeside College. He is expected to achieve A grades in all his subjects thus achieving way above his Minimum Target Grades. Thomas is always willing to help other students and took the lead role in a working group of students who organised the A Level Spring Ball. On leaving Deeside College, Tom will head to university to study for a degree in Drama.

Bethan is a polite, unassuming and considerate student who is developing in to an exceptional artist. Earlier this year she came out top in a national design competition run by clothing store Wombat and saw her tshirt design sold in outlets across the UK. Outside of her studies Bethan has taken part in projects in deprived areas of South Africa where she helped construct houses for villagers. She always produces work of the highest standard and will next year progress to the Pre Degree Foundation course.

A conscientious and diligent student, Susan has progressed from the Intermediate Administration course to the Advanced level, achieving Distinctions in all examinations along the way. She is always willing to gain new skills and has helped organise a range of charity events. After making a great impression during a work placement with a local company, Susan was offered a full-time position but chose instead to remain at college to further develop herself.

Kirk is a highly committed and determined student who is focused on his education and future career. Always willing to get involved in projects, he has played a pivotal role in a number of enterprise activities and has an entrepreneurial flair. He has consistently achieved high grades in all aspects of his course and is looking forward to embarking on a Business Management course at Salford University this September.

When Lee arrived at Deeside College he was a shy and quiet student. During his time here, he has grown both academically and personally. He displays dedication in all he does, has an excellent work ethic and produces exceptional work at all times. Lee's ambition is to join the Royal Navy as a Communications Engineer. Due to a recruitment freeze, he has decided to remain at college in order to further develop his skills. His tutors say that this is typical of his mature outlook and desire to achieve his goals.

Gemma is an outstanding Public Services student who has achieved a perfect triple distinction profile. She is highly committed, has an exemplary attitude, delivers work of an excellent standard and has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities. A real team player, Gemma was a member of the squad that brought home the Royal Marines Public Services Cup to Deeside College.

Linas is a Travel and Tourism student who has an excellent attitude. He aims high and goes the extra mile to ensure he always achieves. Despite English not being his first language, he has overcome this hurdle with hard work and dedication. Linas is popular with other students, he is kind, considerate and offers help when he can. He has a bright future in the Travel and Tourism industry and his tutors wish him well.

Gareth returned to college as a mature learner on the Prospects - Skills for Life and Work course. He has grown in confidence and has completed both the level 1 Certificate in Sport qualification and the level 2 NVQ in Exercise and Fitness. A true gentleman, Gareth is always willing to help his fellow students and tutors. In the future he hopes to become a Gym Instructor.

As a result of personal adversity, Carrie-ann was forced to leave school early and didn't complete many exams. Despite this set back, she has remained focused on bettering herself and has undertaken the Entry to Hairdressing course as well as additional Essential Skills courses in her own time.

Amy is a student who is never deterred and who practices until she masters a new skill. She has been committed to her studies since arriving at Wrexham Training and has helped others to achieve their goals. Amy is a cheerful student and her clients often comment on her exceptional customer service and manner. Amy is now embarking on her career as a full-time hair stylist.

Jordan is an organised Beauty Therapy student who takes control of her development and studies. She is conscientious, always willing to help staff and other learners and has excelled in both the theory and practical aspects of the course. Her tutors have been impressed by her requests for extra tutorials and progress reports to make sure she is 'on track' for successful completion of her qualification.

Over the past two years, Hayley has grown significantly both professionally and personally. Hayley took it upon herself to contact local salons in order to broaden her experience and strengthen her CV. Her search was successful and she currently works for a local salon where she has proved a hit with both customers and colleagues.

Amy is a talented complementary therapist who has progressed to the challenging and in depth level 3 qualification with relative ease. She is reliable and is an integral part of the group, working well as a team member or in a leadership role. These qualities have helped Amy to secure part-time employment at a top Cheshire based salon and her employers are impressed by her professional attitude and approach.

Georgina, or Gina as she is known, improves on a daily basis. When she arrived, Gina had low self confidence, but thanks to hard work and her cheery personality, she has developed into a Therapist with a bright future ahead of her. Her practical ability and client skills are exceptional but she is always looking to improve. She is professional at all times and all her assignment work has been completed to a high standard.

When Tabithe joined the Prospects course she was shy and lacked confidence in herself. During her time at the college she has overcome these issues and now has faith in her ability and is motivated to achieve her goals. Always polite and jolly, Tabithe takes great pride in the work she produces in both the floristry and beauty elements of her vocational course. Her tutors are delighted her development has been recognised and wish her well on the mainstream Hair and Beauty course.

An all round excellent student who is highly respected by his peers, Kieron has achieved distinctions in every piece of work he has submitted. Kieron has a young family and balances his busy life remarkably, even whilst undertaking a work placement at the Cardiac Assessment Unit of Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Next year he will study Cardiac Nursing at Glyndwr University.

Originally a quiet and reserved student, Amber has evolved into a confident and valued contributor to group discussions. She strives for perfection and her work displays a maturity beyond her years. Amber is highly committed and is on course to achieve a triple distinction profile. She has never missed a deadline, all this while working an almost full-time job. Her work placements have been hugely successful with employers commenting on her positivity and ability to use her initiative. She has also led on a number of successful college charity events.

Laura is a student, single mother and carer who has turned over a new leaf and has made the most of her time at Deeside College. Grasping every opportunity, she has gone from near exclusion to distinction. Laura displays independence in the way she works and takes responsibility for her learning. She is compassionate towards her fellow students and puts their issues ahead of her own.

Jonathon is a learner who epitomises what the Skill Build course sets out to achieve. When he arrived, he was desperate for some help, had little self confidence and low self esteem. Jonathan had not enjoyed school after being excluded by his peers as a result of being dyslexic, an issue he had found difficult to talk about openly. On enrolling on the Skill Build course, tutors organised for him to have one to one study skills support and he began to grow in stature. He has since achieved a suite of qualifications and has direction in his life.

Dedicated, supportive and innovative are some of the words tutors have used to describe Jill. She has completed a number of teacher training qualifications in order to achieve her goal and has developed in to a superb lecturer. At a showcase event at Glyndwr University, Jill's innovative 'Get Your Mobiles Out' case study was highly commended as it resulted in an increase in learning and motivation among her Sport students.

Four years ago Karen took the brave step to address the problems she had with literacy. Through hard work, commitment and perseverance she achieved the equivalent of a GCSE C grade in English. Karen now proof reads publications in her local Communities First office. All Karen's tutors agree that she is a superb role model for the community and earlier this year she was named as Learner of the Year at the Communities First AGM. Karen now Chairs the Communities First Partnership Board and regularly writes editorial for their newsletter.

Thatsanee or Tim as she is known to her friends has been an active and hardworking ESOL student at the college for two years. Tim welcomes new students to the group, engages in lessons and encourages others to get involved in a friendly and fun way. Her peers agree she is a worthy winner of this award and many have benefited from her support and motivation.

An obvious winner for this award, Carole is a learner who has developed into a talented artist as a result of her dedication. Originally tentative about pursuing her interest in art, Carole has now achieved a number of credits and is always willing to push the boundaries of her visual art education. She has a great sense of humour and is a caring member of the group. So much so that she gives others lifts to classes and remains in touch with a number of ex learners from the course.

Cheerful and enthusiastic Donna is a Nursery Assistant at Deeside College's Toy Box Nursery. Although originally apprehensive about learning a new language as she suffers with dyslexia, she hasn't looked back since embarking on the Welsh for Classroom Teaching Assistants course in September. Donna practices her newly learnt Welsh skills with one of the children she looks after and often jokes that she doesn?t mind practising with a 19 month old!

Yvonne has contributed immensely to the learning and development programmes of her organisation whilst undertaking her qualification. Her desire to see others learn and develop saw Yvonne take up the role of NVQ Assessor where her ability to mentor and work with others shone through. Not one to let her own development stop, she continued to study and has successfully completed the CIPD Certificate in Training and the Internal Verifiers V1 qualification.

After being made redundant, Kevin took it upon himself to gain some qualifications to back up his years of management experience. Thanks to funding from the Welsh Government's Re-Act scheme, Kevin embarked on the ILM Level 3 Award in First Line Management. By sharing his experiences, Kevin helped the group to develop and was a positive influence on his peers.

Earlier this year Rhian was awarded the prestigious NEBOSH 'Best Candidate of the Year' prize after receiving the highest mark from thousands undertaking the same qualification globally. She works tirelessly to ensure she achieves and balances her demanding role at Warwick International and professional development exceptionally. She is involved in a number of professional bodies, is highly respected and takes an active part in their events.

John is Operations Services Manager for Flintshire County Council (FCC) and has followed the bespoke FCC Management Development Programme created by Deeside College. John has excelled on the course and his commitment to learning and professional development has been infectious to others. A deserved winner of this award, John has applied his learning successfully in his role.

Helen is an inspirational learner who set up her own childminding business in order to enable her to care for her son who has a rare medical condition. She is passionate about providing the children in her care with the best possible opportunities and her business has an excellent reputation. Thanks to undertaking a range of qualifications relating to the care of disabled children, she is an expert in this field and has shared her knowledge in childcare magazines.

A Cook at a junior school in Rhyl and lone parent to three children, Dawn Roberts has worked exceptionally hard to complete a number of role related qualifications. After getting the bug for learning she requested further training and is close to completing the NVQ Diploma in Kitchen Services. She is hopeful of gaining a promotion to Area Supervisor in the future and intends to complete other qualifications.

Whilst studying the Food Manufacturing level 3 NVQ, Sonia identified and then resolved a number of factory issues that were causing costly downtime. During her qualification, Sonia became aware that she was struggling to concentrate and remember aspects of her daily job role. After seeking medical advice she was diagnosed with a chronic fatigue illness and was forced to take time off work. Sonia has worked hard to ensure that the work she produces is always exceptional.

A Green Keeper at Wrexham Golf Club, James is a learner who puts his all into both his assignments and his role at the club. A builder by trade, he is now passionate about his trade and visits other courses to gain tips and ideas. He is motivated to be successful and has progressed with ease from level 2 to level 3. James's employer is delighted with his development and his assessor had no hesitation in nominating him for this award.

Steph consistently produces work of an extremely high standard. She is motivated and committed to achieving her goal of studying Veterinary Science at University. Steph participates with enthusiasm and vigour and this has helped raise the standard of work produced by the whole group. Steph is always prepared to go over and above what's asked of her. She climbed Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation earlier this year.

A student who always endeavours to reach her full potential, Ceri has worked hard during her time at Llysfasi to overcome personal and medical issues. She has gone out of her way to gain industry experience including a placement at kennels in Scotland. In her spare time Ceri volunteers at a country park where she assists Rangers in caring for animals and providing information to visitors. She is focused and self motivated and has a bright future in whatever career she chooses.

Deena is a learner who is always jolly, enthusiastic, motivated and focused on achieving in life. She has excellent practical skills and knowledge and is passionate about horses. Deena gets involved in all classroom activities, often carries out additional work on the yard and is concerned about the welfare of horses in her care. She is a superb role model, is a leader and is first with encouragement and advice for other students. Deena has a busy life and juggles family, work, riding, caring for horses and animals and college work exceptionally.

During her time at Northop College, Melissa has developed in to an outstanding and creative Horticulturalist. She displays excellent understanding and application of the knowledge she gains from the classroom and the level of her landscape design work is exceptional. During a national competition run by the Institute of Horticulture, Melissa scored 44 marks out of a possible 45, a previously unseen feat. Her designs are vibrant and show a creative flair ahead of her years of experience.

Huw was the obvious winner of this award. During his time at Coleg Llysfasi he has become part of the team, is employed on the site's farm and helps organise trips for younger students staying in the college's hostel. He is a good example to other students and the work he produces displays knowledge ahead of his years and a passion for farming. In the future, Huw intends to study Agriculture at Aberystwyth University and his tutors wish him well.

A learner who is always keen and willing to participate in classroom activities as well as those organised at the hostel, Dewi has grown into a student who has influenced and helped a number of others. He isn't afraid to ask for advice or help if he feels he needs it in order to further hone his skills or gain new knowledge. Dewi is committed to his studies and has proved himself to be capable and reliable with a will to succeed in the Forestry industry.

Greg is an outstanding student studying the level 3 Land-based Machinery course at Coleg Llysfasi. He has been selected for this award based on his application and the high standard of work he's submitted often ahead of deadline. During the academic year, Greg refurbished a Land Rover that belonged to his late father. This emotional project saw Greg rebuild half the rear chassis, renew the wiring and correct mechanical faults. The icing on the cake was when the vehicle passed its MOT.

Richard studies the level 3 Land-based Engineering course at Northop College. During his time at the college, he has worked hard to develop his skills and is now a highly capable Engineer. Richard is keen and at times is at college before some members of staff. In the future, Richard is hopeful of securing employment in the Land-based Machinery industry and has taken it upon himself to contact local employers. All in the Land-based Machinery department agree he is a worthy winner of this award.

Donna left school at 15 with no qualifications and no interest in education and learning. After raising a family of four she took the brave step to return to education and completed a level 1 Floristry qualification at her local college on the Wirral. On completion she decided to progress and travelled to Northop College to study the level 2 course. When she arrived, she was unsure of her ability but has overcome her doubts and is proud to be a role model to her children. Donna has a 'can do' attitude and her tutors agree she is an inspiration.

Jason is a likeable and active member of the Animal Care Skills for Independent Living group. Jason has overcome a number of difficulties in his life and has always done so in a dignified manner showing real courage and a positive outlook. He has taken it upon himself to change his lifestyle to that of a healthier one and is a member of the Northop College walking group. Outside of college Jason volunteers at his local charity shop and this has helped his numeracy and communication skills.

Mathew is a young man who doesn't let his disability hold him back in his drive to be independent. He has high standards and bravely faces up to the challenges of everyday life. Mathew is cheerful, makes valid contributions to the group and has a wide circle of friends. He was one of the first Independent Living students in Wales to complete a learndirect IT qualification. This prompted Matthew to undertake and complete further Learndirect courses in his own time at home.

Highly self-motivated, with a passion and desire to succeed in the Catering industry, John has excelled in both his kitchen and theory sessions. He has completed work in double quick time and has undertaken additional units in order to get the most from his training. John has demonstrated his passion by entering several competitions in which he has come away with gold medals. Next year, he will progress to the level 3 NVQ and his tutors are looking forward to welcoming him back.

During all of Luke's sessions he performs exceptionally and works hard to raise his already high skill levels. The hand skills he displays are ahead of his years and show he has a flair for precision Engineering. With an eye for detail, Luke produces pieces to within the smallest of tolerances. Luke is committed to becoming a successful Engineer and took it upon himself to secure work experience with a local firm. His work is so exact, when he took examples to an interview with a local firm they thought they had been machine made.

Whilst overcoming adverse circumstances in his personal life, Lee has progressed from the level 1 course through to the advanced level 3 course. His work has never faltered and the level of craftsmanship and fabrication and welding skills Lee displays is of a standard that any company in the industry would be proud of. Lee has also been selected to represent the college in the Welder Wales inter college event and last year received a NIACE certificate for his outstanding performance.

Ben is a learner who has had more than most to deal with over the past two years. However, he has not only achieved, but has excelled. He has won a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence, the Cutler prize for Engineering Excellence, the prestigious City & Guilds Lion Award and was also short listed for Wales Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Learner of the Year. These achievements have seen him travel the many awards ceremonies, including meeting HRH the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

A learner following the level 3 Motor Vehicle programme at Wrexham Training, Anthony shines in all aspects of his qualification. He has achieved distinctions in all his assignments and his hand skills and work ethic are second to none. Anthony is a pleasure to teach, is always positive and works hard to ensure that his peers are involved. Always adopting a 'can do' attitude, he gets stuck in to any task that is asked of him by his employer GHA Coaches.

Natasha is a focused first year apprentice with paper manufacturer UPM-Shotton Paper. She has clear objectives and applies logic and reasoning to all tasks, assessments and written work. Natasha always thoroughly plans and completes her work to the highest standard. Her written work is comprehensive, well evaluated and is presented superbly. She is a credit to her employer and is well on track to becoming a first class Engineer.

Oliver is an Airbus in the UK first year apprentice who throws himself into all aspects of his Aeronautical Modern Apprenticeship. He shows an exceptional understanding of engineering principles and appreciates the high standards required of him as an Airbus in the UK employee. Oliver is always looking to develop his skills and improve his knowledge and is constantly asking questions. He has a great sense of humour, is a team player and is well liked and respected by others in the group.

Lee is a first class learner who grasps every learning and development opportunity presented to him with enthusiasm and commitment. With support from his employers, he has undertaken a wide range of Engineering qualifications, including a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship and a Modern Apprenticeship and he has been promoted as a result. Not one to stand still he is soon to embark on a level 4 Engineering Leadership qualification.

Sean is a positive and well respected learner. He progressed to this course after successfully completing the Performing Engineering Operations course at level 1 and at level 2. Sean is inquisitive, takes an interest in all aspects of the course and isn't afraid to ask questions. Identifying that he needed to work on his literacy and numeracy skills, Sean took it upon himself to undertake additional classes. This has benefited his work immensely and typifies his dedication and commitment to being a success.

Kevin is a learner who takes immense pride in his work and ensures that every piece of practical and written work he takes on is to a high standard. He is diligent, conscientious and determined. In the future, Kevin hopes to secure an apprenticeship and his tutors all agree that he would be an asset to any firm.

Since starting at Deeside College, Niall has been polite, hard working and has progressed and developed at an excellent pace. During a re-decoration project on a set of council flats that had fallen into a poor state, Niall played an integral role. He is always looking to develop his skills and technique and isn't afraid to ask staff questions. This has hugely benefited the group as a whole, especially during a trip to the Crown Paints factory in Blackburn earlier this year.

Enthusiastic, polite and considerate are just some of the terms tutors in the Construction Skills department have used to describe Cristian. He is a learner who has an eye for detail and thanks to commitment and passion is quickly turning into a talented Carpenter and Joiner. Cristian has produced some excellent pieces of work and he instigated a college charity fundraiser that saw his work auctioned off to generate funds. He also represented the college at a recent skills competition.

A student who has improved in confidence and self esteem since enrolling at the college, Nathaniel consistently completes work to standards that wouldn't look out of place in industry. He is always willing to help other learners and can often be seen leaving his own work to assist his peers. After winning through the regional heats of a skills competition, Nathaniel took part in the all Wales final and was awarded extremely high marks for the quality of his work. In the future he would like to take part in more competitions and will embark on the level 2 course this September.

Argoed High School pupil Alistair is an excellent student following the Principal Learning level 2 Engineering programme. He is always willing to learn and is never afraid to ask questions to further his Engineering knowledge. Alistair is respected by others, tackles problems logically and methodically and works well independently or as part of a team. Next year Alistair has applied for apprenticeships with UPM-Shotton Paper and Airbus in the UK and his tutors have their fingers crossed for him.

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Whilst overcoming adverse circumstances in his personal life, Lee has progressed from the level 1 course through to the advanced level 3 course. His work has never faltered and the level of craftsmanship and fabrication and welding skills Lee displays is of a standard that any company in the industry would be proud of. Lee has also been selected to represent the college in the Welder Wales inter college event and last year received a NIACE certificate for his outstanding performance.

Sponsored by The Hand and Power Tool Centre

Jason is a likeable and active member of the Animal Care Skills for Independent Living group. Jason has overcome a number of difficulties in his life and has always done so in a dignified manner showing real courage and a positive outlook. He has taken it upon himself to change his lifestyle to that of a healthier one and is a member of the Northop College walking group. Outside of college Jason volunteers at his local charity shop and this has helped his numeracy and communication skills.

Sponsored by NWF Agriculture

Lee is a first class learner who grasps every learning and development opportunity presented to him with enthusiasm and commitment. With support from his employers, he has undertaken a wide range of Engineering qualifications, including a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship and a Modern Apprenticeship and he has been promoted as a result. Not one to stand still he is soon to embark on a level 4 Engineering Leadership qualification.

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Jonathon is a learner who epitomises what the Skill Build course sets out to achieve. When he arrived, he was desperate for some help, had little self confidence and low self esteem. Jonathan had not enjoyed school after being excluded by his peers as a result of being dyslexic, an issue he had found difficult to talk about openly. On enrolling on the Skill Build course, tutors organised for him to have one to one study skills support and he began to grow in stature. He has since achieved a suite of qualifications and has direction in his life.

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Jonathon is a learner who epitomises what the Skill Build course sets out to achieve. When he arrived, he was desperate for some help, had little self confidence and low self esteem. Jonathan had not enjoyed school after being excluded by his peers as a result of being dyslexic, an issue he had found difficult to talk about openly. On enrolling on the Skill Build course, tutors organised for him to have one to one study skills support and he began to grow in stature. He has since achieved a suite of qualifications and has direction in his life.

Sponsored by The Beaufort Park

Donna left school at 15 with no qualifications and no interest in education and learning. After raising a family of four she took the brave step to return to education and completed a level 1 Floristry qualification at her local college on the Wirral. On completion she decided to progress and travelled to Northop College to study the level 2 course. When she arrived, she was unsure of her ability but has overcome her doubts and is proud to be a role model to her children. Donna has a 'can do' attitude and her tutors agree she is an inspiration.

Sponsored by Flintshire County Council

Originally a quiet and reserved student, Amber has evolved into a confident and valued contributor to group discussions. She strives for perfection and her work displays a maturity beyond her years. Amber is highly committed and is on course to achieve a triple distinction profile. She has never missed a deadline, all this while working an almost full-time job. Her work placements have been hugely successful with employers commenting on her positivity and ability to use her initiative. She has also led on a number of successful college charity events.

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A student who always endeavours to reach her full potential, Ceri has worked hard during her time at Llysfasi to overcome personal and medical issues. She has gone out of her way to gain industry experience including a placement at kennels in Scotland. In her spare time Ceri volunteers at a country park where she assists Rangers in caring for animals and providing information to visitors. She is focused and self motivated and has a bright future in whatever career she chooses.

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Amy is a student who is never deterred and who practices until she masters a new skill. She has been committed to her studies since arriving at Wrexham Training and has helped others to achieve their goals. Amy is a cheerful student and her clients often comment on her exceptional customer service and manner. Amy is now embarking on her career as a full-time hair stylist.

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David is a final year Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Technology student and employee at UPM-Shotton Paper. The work he submits is exceptional and he is extremely committed and focused on forging a career for himself. He was nominated for a number of awards during his apprenticeship, but most notably was named as the Best Final Year Apprentice in the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) awards in 2010. During his studies David has coped well with the demands of studying, working and attending a specialist paper-making school in Gernsbach in Germany.

Sponsored by Glyndwr University

James is a remarkable young man who has a bright future ahead of him. He is a shining example of how the Welsh Bac can stretch and develop young people. He embraces challenges and new projects and as part of the Bac took part in the Lessons from Aushwitz project. As a result, James has attended seminars in Cardiff and also worked with Hull University on a project related to the holocaust. His hard work during his time at Deeside College has paid off and he has received a conditional place to study Law at Cambridge University this September.

Sponsored by Deeside College Chaplaincy

Ilan is an Agriculture student at Coleg Llysfasi. He has been selected for this award as a result of the standard of work he has produced in Welsh over the course of the academic year. He has an excellent attitude and shows maturity in his ability to express his opinion through the medium of Welsh. During the year Ilan undertook an industry placement at Rhug Farm in Corwen and the college received outstanding feedback on his manner and enthusiasm for any task he was asked to take on.

Sponsored by Farmers' Union of Wales

James is one of Wales' most promising swimmers and has his eyes set on the Commonwealth Games in 2018. He is captain of the Rhyl Dolphins Swimming Club and is also a regular in the North Wales squad. This year James competed for Deeside College in a number of events and also represented all Welsh colleges in the British Colleges Sport Finals held at Bath University. His success comes thanks to a gruelling training regime that sees him train twice a day six days a week. All this on top of his academic work which is always presented on time and to a high standard.

Sponsored by Queensferry Sports