Pembrokeshire can be proud of its achievements in the Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards organised by Welsh work-based learning provider Cambrian Training Company.

The Employer Special Recognition Award went to The Grove of Narberth at the prestigious ceremony held at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells.

The Higher Apprentice of the Year award went to Mathew Verallo, operations manager for The Celtic Collection’s Tŷ Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven, with Keri-Ann Evans, head chef at Bluestone, Narberth, and Ashley Richards, general manager at Peppermint Cardiff, as runners up.

A popular winner was autistic apprentice Aaron Jones, a waiter at Penycae Inn, Penycae, near Swansea, who received a standing ovation after collecting the Apprentice Special Recognition 2025 Award.

“In receiving this very special award, I am enormously proud and owe it to every single person in the audience but above all to my fellow team of staff at Penycae Inn and to those that have autism and other profound learning needs,” he told the audience.

“As a person with autism who works in the hospitality industry, this award means so much to me. Anybody with a learning or physical disability who is considering doing an apprenticeship should absolutely go for it.”

He praised Cambrian Training Company’s hospitality training officers Andrew Addis-Fuller and Leah Williams for their support and encouragement to achieve his goals, which include completing his Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Apprenticeship early next year.

Faith O’Brien, Cambrian Training Company’s managing director said: “Among our winners and finalists are inspiring stories of personal growth and professional development.

“This year’s awards ceremony was a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of our apprentices, employers and supporters.

“Let’s continue supporting and championing vocational education. Together, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive through learning and development.”