TOMOS PLEDGES
TO DEFEND WELSH YOUNG BUTCHER TITLE
A 17-year-old apprentice is aiming to prove he’s a cut above the rest for the second year as he bids to defend his Welsh Young Butcher of the Year title next month.

Tomos Hopkin from Ponty Butchers, Pontardawe is putting his name forward for this year’s contest, which will be held at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Llanelwedd on Tuesday, November 30. More>>

MASTER CHEF
MATTHEW'S FLYING START TO CULINARY CAREER
A commitment to learning new skills has put Matthew Lewis, 24, well on the way to a glittering career as a chef, having already outstripped many more experienced cooks with his prowess in the kitchen. More >>

Matthew was also named as the Brains Chef of the Year 2010 in October for the second consecutive year.

LEARNING HOLDS THE KEY TO SUE'S FUTURE
Little did Sue Evans know when starting a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service last year just how important the qualification could be to her in the future.

Sue, 54, from Llandinam in Mid Wales, is one of 180 workers at Shop Direct in Newtown who are facing the daunting prospect of redundancy at the end of this year when the call centre closes. More>>

On Wednesday 10th November you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a round of golf or unwind in the Spa before the AGM starts at 6.0pm followed by the Annual Dinner.

The Annual Dinner this year will be prepared by The Welsh Culinary Association Culinary Team who will be taking this opportunity to perfect their dishes for The Culinary World Cup in Luxemborg, 20th - 24th November 2010. Further information >>

We provide continuing professional development (CPD) to the service and business sector. We offer flexible, accessible and value-for-money courses to many businesses across the country.

We recognise that regularly upgrading your knowledge and skills is essential to maintaining high levels of professional competence. As a training provider we hold the flexibility to deliver training at a time and place that suits you and your business needs.

All of our training courses are accredited and delivered by certified instructors.

Any specific training requirements and hosting training days for your staff can easily be accommodated

For more information visit Business Development Courses »

Equality Act 2010
The new Equality Act 2010 came into force on the 1st October 2010. This new act was introduced with a purpose to simplify and standardise legislation by consolidating current anti discrimination legislation. The act will replace previous legislation such as the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

National Minimum Wage
The NMW rates increased again as of the 1st October 2010. The new rates are as follows:
* From £5.80 to £5.93 an hour for workers aged 21 and over
* From £4.83 to £4.92 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20
* From £3.57 to £3.64 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17

This increase is approximately 2% in each category. The government has extended the adult minimum wage rate to 21-year-olds from October 2010. Previously the qualifying age for the National Minimum Wage was 22.

Apprentice Minimum Wage
An apprentice minimum wage has also been introduced which is set at £2.50 per hour which applies as follows:
* Apprentices under 19
* Apprentices aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship

For more information on the NMW please visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_178175

Cambrian Training Company Employee Achievements

Congratulations to the following employees for their recent achievements:

Alison Phillips achieved AAA Chef Award

Alex Hogg achieved NVQ Level 3 in Management

Congratulations to Nick Davies for being selected as part of The Welsh Culinary Team who will be competing in The Culinary World Cup in Luxemborg in November 2010.

The unique development of Coed-y-Dinas has involved the sensitive conversion of an old Victorian farm site, which once belonged to the Earls of Powis, into a thriving retail centre and visitor attraction.

The Loft Conference Centre is a spacious and naturally lit room with attractive exposed roof trusses and can accommodate up to 50 delegates in a variety of seating formats.

The Loft enjoys scenic rooftop views along the Severn Valley in two directions and is set up with high speed Internet access, an interactive Smart board, an LCD 40-inch television screen with a DVD and a video player. Video conferencing facilities, digital projector, white board and flip charts, together with photocopying and fax facilities.

Further Information >>