From Hospitality Apprentice to Award-Winning Role Model: Aaron’s Learning Journey

Aaron Jones has become an inspirational example of how apprenticeships and lifelong learning can build confidence, develop workplace skills and create opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Working as a part-time senior waiter at the Penycae Inn, near Swansea, Aaron has progressed from working in the kitchen to becoming a trusted member of the front-of-house team. Supported by his employers and Cambrian Training Company, he completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership.

His achievements have since gained wider recognition. Aaron was named Cambrian Training Company’s Apprentice of the Year 2026 and he has won the Skills for Work Award at the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2026.

His journey has also given him the confidence to speak publicly about his experiences, acting as an ambassador for work-based learning and an advocate for neurodiversity.

Discovering a Talent for Hospitality

Aaron’s learning journey began at Ysgol Penmaes, a special educational needs school in Brecon, before entering the hospitality industry as a kitchen worker at the Penycae Inn.

His employers, Anthony and Claire Christopher, recognised his natural flair for customer service and encouraged him to move from the kitchen into a customer-facing role, which proved to be an important step in his development and career journey.

Aaron now looks after customers as a senior waiter, mentors new members of staff and continues to support the kitchen when required.

To build on his workplace experience, Aaron undertook a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership with Cambrian Training Company.

The apprenticeship helped him develop the skills and knowledge needed to take on greater responsibility while building confidence in areas he had previously found challenging.

Building Confidence and Overcoming Barriers

Aaron is autistic and has spoken openly about how this used to affect his confidence, communication and social interaction skills.

Rather than allowing these challenges to prevent him from progressing, Aaron has used his apprenticeship as an opportunity to master these  skills and push himself beyond his comfort zone.

Reflecting on his achievement, Aaron said:

“I am very proud of my apprenticeship, especially as there were some that doubted my ability to succeed.

“I am autistic which has, in the past, affected my confidence, communication and social interaction skills. However, rather than allowing this to limit me, I have embraced my neurodiversity and I have pushed myself to overcome these barriers.”

Aaron credits the support of his employers and Cambrian Training Company’s hospitality training officers Andy Addis-Fuller and Leah Williams with helping him to recognise his potential and develop the skills to fulfil his potential.

Aaron is particularly passionate about inspiring other neurodivergent people that additional learning needs do not have to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.

“Anyone who is neurodivergent can achieve the same as me with the right support, hard work and determination,” he said. “I’ve discovered my passion and I’ll never stop learning.”

Looking ahead

Aaron hopes to continue progressing within hospitality, with ambitions to become a supervisor or bar manager.

His journey from the kitchen to senior waiter, apprenticeship graduate and award winner demonstrates how work-based learning can help people discover their strengths, build confidence and be ready to progress and take on  greater responsibility.

With the support of his employer and Cambrian Training Company, Aaron has transformed his learning into an opportunity not only to develop his own career but also to encourage others to recognise their potential and never stop learning.