Cambrian Training Company is proudly celebrating the success of three outstanding apprentices—Jonathan Pasley, Casey Williams and Antony Ockwell—who were all named finalists in the Wales Food & Drink Awards’ Apprentice of the Year 2026. Their achievements highlight the exceptional talent emerging from Wales’ Food & Drink Manufacturing sector and the transformative impact of high‑quality apprenticeships.
Jonathan Pasley was further recognised by the judges and highly commended for his remarkable progress and contribution.
Cambrian Training Company’s Managing Director, Faith O’Brien, praised the finalists, saying their success reflects not only their individual commitment and passion, but also the strength of apprenticeship pathways in helping people grow, retrain and thrive within the industry.
Jonathan Pasley – Brewing Apprentice, Bunch of Grapes / Cwrw Otley Microbrewery
Jonathan
’s journey into brewing is a remarkable story of resilience and reinvention. After 24 years working in emergency care—including 13 years of military service in Afghanistan and Iraq—he made the courageous decision to rebuild his career following a PTSD diagnosis. Joining the brewery as a complete novice in late 2024, Jonathan has progressed at an exceptional pace, completing far more credits than required for his Level 2 Diploma and working well ahead of schedule.
He is now trusted to run full brews independently, demonstrating precision, discipline and a strong technical understanding of the brewing process. His contribution extends across the business, supporting rest
aurant operations, sales, customer service and brewery tours. His dedication to learning has led to plans for an accelerated progression onto a Level 4 Diploma, reflecting his long‑term commitment to building a successful career in the Welsh brewing sector.
Casey Williams – Brewing Apprentice, Tiny Rebel
Casey has quickly become an exceptional apprentice and a highly capable brewing professional. His rapid development, strong work ethic and consistently high standards have set him apart from the very beginning. Progressing far ahead of schedule, he has completed additional apprenticeship modules with enthusiasm and has developed a deep understanding of both the practical and scientific elements of brewing.
At Tiny Rebel, Casey confidently manages complex brewing processes—from raw material checks and milling to recipe calculations and producing 5,500L batches to exact specifications. His ability to work independently on a manual brew kit, combined with his accuracy and resilience, has earned him the respect of colleagues and tutors alike. Beyond brewing, Casey is a valued ambassador for the business, leading brewery tours, supporting social media events, running the pub quiz and contributing to charity initiatives. His positivity, reliability and passion for the industry make him a standout apprentice.
Antony Ockwell – Butchery Apprentice, Filco Foods
Antony has demonstrated exceptional dedication to mastering the butchery trade. As a full‑time butcher and committed apprentice, he takes great pride in producing high‑quality work and continually developing his skills in meat preparation, knife handling, food safety and customer service. He is reliable, punctual and eager to learn, consistently maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment.
Antony actively seeks feedback from senior butchers and applies it to refine his technique and product presentation. His strong work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to support colleagues make him a valued member of the Filco Foods team. Being named a finalist has boosted his confidence and reinforced his commitment to building a long‑term career in the butchery industry.
Celebrating Excellence in Apprenticeships
Casey, Jonathan and Antony each demonstrate the power of work‑based learning to change lives, open new career pathways and strengthen the Welsh food and drink sector. Their achievements reflect not only their own determination, but also the dedication of the employers and mentors who support them.
Cambrian Training Company is immensely proud of all three finalists and celebrates their success as shining examples of what apprentices can achieve.
Photo left to right – Cambrian Training Managing Director Faith O’Brien, Antony Stedman Ockwell, Casey Williams, Cambrian Training Business Development Officer Carys Evans and Cambrian Training Operations Manager Mark Hughes
