Music school apprentice hits top note to win “Outstanding Individual” award

An apprentice who has been credited with energising a Cardiff music school has been named an Outstanding Individual of the Year at his training company’s annual awards.

When Finn Curran was recruited by Forte School of Music (Cardiff) Ltd as an apprentice customer service assistant last year during the Covid-19 pandemic, managing director Jane Coles said he injected a passion for music and a “wonderful energy”.

Whilst completing a Foundation Apprenticeship in Customer Service with Cambrian Training Company, he improved and audited the company’s customer information system and database and continues to provide support to students and staff when required.

Described as a valuable member of the customer service team, Finn’s ambition is to work as a sound technician and to continue composing classical music and film soundtracks.

After receiving his award, he said: “This is the first award I have ever won and I am over the moon. Thanks very much to Cambrian Training Company because my apprenticeship was so much fun.

“Being able to learn in the work environment, I have made so many friends and met so many wonderful people. I will be leaving Wales in July to move to Scotland where my girlfriend will be studying in university and I plan to continue my music editing business.”

Originally from Armagh, Finn said: “I have had a great time in Wales because it’s very much like home.”

Kane Deacon-Roberts, 25, an apprentice butcher with NS James Limited, Raglan, was also named an Outstanding Individual of the Year at the annual Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards organised by Cambrian Training Company, one of Wales’ top training companies. The other finalist was Harley Bayliss, 21, formerly of The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells who lives in Kington.

Recognising employers and learners who have excelled in apprenticeship, skills and employment training programmes delivered by Cambrian Training Company, the awards were held at The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Llandrindod Wells on June 14.

With offices in Welshpool, Holyhead, Colwyn Bay, Llanelli and Llanelwedd, Cambrian Training Company delivers work-based apprenticeships across Wales.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, the company’s managing director, congratulated Fionntan and the other award winners and finalists for their achievements despite the challenging disruptions caused by the pandemic over the past two years.

“These awards showcase the dedication and commitment by individuals and companies to the apprenticeship programme here in Wales,” he added. “Finn is an outstanding individual who has demonstrated what can be achieved in career progression through apprenticeships.”

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

Picture caption:

Finn Curran receives his Outstanding Individual of the Year award from Arwyn Watkins, OBE, managing director of Cambrian Training Company.